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Each week, the Multimedia RoundTable on GEnie presents a new Cyberspace Weekly
Report! This file is a compilation of Cyberspace Weekly Reports for the month
of February 1994. Cyberspace Weekly Reports may be reprinted in newsletters
and on privately owned electronic Bulletin Board Systems as long as individual
stories are kept intact and appropriate credit is given. For details, see the
information at the end of this file. Search on the term Dateline to locate the
beginning of each Cyberspace Weekly Report.
Visit the Multimedia RoundTable on GEnie each Friday to get the lastest
Cyberspace Weekly Report! It only take a few minutes to capture from the Main
Menu on Page 2000, keyword CYBERSPACE.
__________________________________________________________________________
___ _ Dateline: February 11, 1994
/ __) | |
/ / _ _ | |__ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __ ___
| | | | | || _ \ | __)| _)/ __)| \ / | / _|| __)
\ \__| |_| || |_) || _) | | \__ \| |) )| (| || |_ | _)
\___)\__ ||____/ |___)|_| (___/| _/ \___( \__||___)
__| | | |
(___/ |_| Report Weekly
__________________________________________________________________________
Multimedia, Desktop Video, and Virtual Reality RoundTable on GEnie.
Copyright (c) Peggy Herrington 1994. Freely Distributable When Intact.
__________________________________________________________________________
___
/ __)
/ / Welcome to Cyberspace Report Weekly!
| | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\ \__
\___)yberspace Report Weekly is a Pilot Project that may be altered in
future weeks. Please Send GE Mail to the Multimedia/Cyberspace RoundTable
Staff (or to MULTIMEDIA$) with your reactions and suggestions for improvement.
Each Friday, Cyberspace Report Weekly will presented on Page 2000 on the
following Menu Item:
7. Last Week's Cyberspace Report (94xxxx)
^^^^^^^
Check the date of that Menu Item to make sure you have the most recent Report,
and be sure to get them all! Cyberspace Report Weekly features such newsworthy
information as:
* New Product Annoucements * Trade Show Reports
* Industry Trends & News * Special Upcoming VIP Conferences
* Upcoming Industry Events * Special Offers from Developers
* IBM, Macintosh & Amiga News * Virtual Reality Developments
Capture each Cyberspace Report Weekly and read it later, off-line! It ONLY
takes a FEW minutes to capture to a buffer!
The current Cyberspace Report Weekly will be on the Menu until it is replaced
with the next week's issue. When Reports for a calendar month are no longer on
the Menu, they will be compressed and made available the Cyberspace Library
for downloading.
Cyberspace Report Weekly brings you industry news AS IT HAPPENS! Don't wait
for the magazines! Stop by the Multimedia RoundTable each week to learn what's
happening in the Multimedia, Desktop Video, and Virtual Reality communities!
As long as individual stories are kept intact with appropriate credit,
permission is granted to reprint Cyberspace Report Weekly in all or part on
private electronic bulletin boards, user group newsletters, and even in
magazines! See the end of this Report for proper wording.
Stories in This Issue:
1. AFTRA, Electronic Arts Reach Agreement on Interactive Contract
2. VR Book Review: "Silicon Mirage, Art and Science of Virtual Reality"
3. Media Vision's Windows Accelerator Board
4. Aldus Acquires Desktop Video Line
5. InfoBusiness Makes Career Change and Job Hunting Manageable
6. Strike Commander CD Blasts to New Heights
7. New Virtual Tarot CD-ROM Offers "Multimedia For Your Mind"
AFTRA, Electronic Arts Productions Inc.
____ Reach Agreement on Interactive Contract
/ ___) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ (_ San Mateo, CA -- January 25, 1994
/ ___)
/ (_
(____)lectronic Arts Productions Inc., the production arm of Electronic Arts,
a worldwide leader in the expanding interactive entertainment industry, and
the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the 77,000
member union of professional performers and broadcasters, announced today
that the two organizations have successfully negotiated the first
comprehensive contract covering talent performing in interactive media
productions.
With an annual sales rate of almost $400 million, Electronic Arts is the
global developer, publisher, and distributor of interactive software that
spans entertainment and education categories and diverse hardware platforms.
It is 11 years old and has been a public company since 1989 (NASDAQ:ERTS).
Helping to drive the evolution of new entertainment forms growing out of the
convergence of media such as film, cable television, computers, and digital
audio, Electronic Arts is in the forefront of the multimedia revolution.
Currently it is leading the way in the emerging 32-bit market.
AFTRA, headquartered in New York, represents actors, singers, dancers,
announcers, voice-over performers, and others who work in television, radio,
sound recordings, and in non-broadcast industrial productions.
The AFTRA National Board has unanimously ratified this new interactive media
contract. It runs through June 30, 1995, and represents the first
comprehensive effort by both interactive industry producers and performing
artists to address the issues -- including the emerging information
superhighway -- raised by continuing advances in technology.
The contract covers talent in all on-camera and off-camera performing
categories (including singing, dancing, and voice-overs) and on all
interactive media platforms. Payment terms set the minimum salary for day
players at $485.
Electronic Arts' Senior Vice President of Marketing Jack Heistand said that
"the company is gratified to have obtained for itself broader access to key
performing artists. At the same time, we are pleased to offer talent exciting
new interactive opportunities to enhance their careers. This will be a
highly-productive marriage," he predicted.
AFTRA's chief negotiator, Assistant National Executive Director Karen Karnow
Stuart, expressed the view that "the interactive market will greatly expand
over the next two years. We consider this contract to be extremely important
to the future of both this industry and our members -- for whom it provides
new opportunities. AFTRA has devoted considerable time and resources to
understanding the unique requirements of new communications technologies."
Bruce York, AFTRA's National Executive Director, noted that "Electronic Arts
is a leader in its field. We're extremely pleased that a company of its high
caliber would be willing to devote time and evergy to work through this
important first step -- actually a good indication to other major interactive
producers (with whom we are already talking) that we are forward thinking and
can address their needs well."
Assisting Ms. Stuart in the negotiations was Marie Salerno, Assistant
Executive Director of AFTRA's San Francisco Local. Carol Contes, Senior
Counsel, served as chief negotiator for Electronic Arts.
Electronic Arts is a diversified entertainment and education company that
develops, publishes, and distributes software worldwide. The company is 11
years old and has an annual sales rate of almost $400 million. Its corporate
headquarters are in San Mateo, Californa, and it has offices in Texas,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
-*-
____ "Silicon Mirage, Art and Science of Virtual Reality"
/ ___) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ (_ by Naor Wallach, Newsbytes -- February 4, 1994
/ ___)
/ /
(_/ollowing is a review of the new book "Silicon Mirage, Art and Science of
Virtual Reality" published by Peachpit Press (2414 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA
94710 800-283-9444; 510-548-4393) by Naor Wallach for Newsbytes.
Price: $15.00
PUMA rating: 4 (on a scale of 1=lowest to 4=highest)
Summary: A book that explains virtual reality -- a good basic text that
serves a general audience. A reader need not be a computer expert to
understand it or the issues involved in this emerging technology.
REVIEW
Virtual reality or VR has captured the imagination of thousands and has been
receiving increasing amount of ink and time on news shows. But how much of
what is said and written is reality and how much is fiction? This book,
"Silicon Mirage," attempts to answer that question.
This is written by Steve Aukstakalnis and David Blatner. Aukstakalnis is well
known within the VR community to which he serves as a consultant and
developer of prototype head mounted displays. Blatner is a writer on
technological issues.
The main part of the book is entitled "The Tools of Virtual Reality." It
spans almost 140 pages and is a lesson in how the human senses work and how a
computer can fool them. In a sense, this part is a lesson in detailed
anatomy.
Essentially VR is a way of fooling your body into believing that you are
present someplace the you are not. Some of the more interesting and
beneficial applications are driving the use of VR are in architecture,
medicine, on Wall Street, and the sciences. VR allows one to get involved in
worlds that may not be otherwise explored. For instance, the authors make a
very interesting presentation of a case for using VR to teach physics.
Other parts of the book look at issues surrounding VR and its potential
applications, and its myths. For instance, there's the popular misconception
depicted in the move "The Lawnmower Man." Viewers will recall the infamous VR
sex scene. The authors argue that enormous amounts of hardware would need to
be installed in various body areas to come even close to stimulating anyone.
The text is complemented with many drawings, figures, and pictures. There is
a remarkable absence of jargon - which in itself is a notable achievement
when dealing with computer books.
If you want to read a good, general, introductory book about VR I cannot
recommend this book highly enough.
(Naor Wallach/19931106/John Grimes and Trish Booth, Peachpit Press, 2414
Sixth St. Berkeley, CA, 94710)
Copyright (C) 1994, Newsbytes. Reprinted by Permission.
-*-
Media Vision's Windows Accelerator Board Brings
Unprecedented Visual Realism to Mainstream PC Users
_ _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \/ \ Fremont, California -- February 2, 1994
/ \
/ /\ /\ \
(_/ \/ \_)edia Vision (MVIS:NASDAQ), a leader in multimedia for personal
computers, today announced it has begun shipping in volume its Windows
accelerator that delivers high-performance graphics with an un precedented
level of visual realism to mainstream users of personal computers. The Pro
Graphics 1024 significantly outperforms other graphics boards in industry
standard benchmark tests. This Windows accelerator is designed for use with
standard personal computer applications today and for increasingly visual
applications expected to evolve with the growth of multimedia computing.
The Pro Graphics 1024 speeds up the computer's processing of graphics, text
and video. On a computer equipped with the Pro Graphics 1024, images will
come up on the screen faster and more clearly than with other graphics cards;
more of spreadsheet or word processing documents will show on the screen;
and, because of the board's ability to support 16.7 million colors,
photographs and video on a computer will look more realitic.
"Accelerated graphics is a basic part of the multimedia equation," said Greg
Reznick, Media Vision's vice president of marketing. "But most graphics
accelerators make you choose between resolution OR color depth because they
don't have the horsepower to do both at once. This board gives you both. It's
the fastest Windows accelerator on the planet, and it's affordable."
Media Vision offers the Pro Graphics 1024 Windows accelerator through its
retail channels as well as to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).
Pro Graphics 1024 Features
The Pro Graphics 1024 offers 16.7 million colors at resolutions up to 1024 by
768 with very high performance. Based on performance tests using Ziff-Davis
WinBench(R) 4.0, the Pro Graphics 1024 is more than 200 percent faster than
competing products in True Color mode, and more than 20 percent faster in
256-color mode. The board uses Media Vision's custom-designed graphics
accelerator chips.
Media Vision's Pro Graphics 1024 is available in both a True Color and a
256-color version. The 256-color version is upgradeable to True Color by
adding video memory chips. In addition to VGA and SVGA modes, the Pro
Graphics 1024 supports resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768 in
both 256 colors and 16.7 million colors.
For applications that use motion video, the Pro Graphics 1024's unique
hardware feature, FastFilm(tm), accelerates AVI playback for fast, smooth
digital video replay. Standard AVI files can be enlarged to fill the whole
screen and played back at up to 30 frames per second without the usual jerky
movements associated with other graphics cards.
The Pro Graphics 1024 will hold its value for PC users because it is designed
with on-board connectors for future multimedia upgrades. Video daughter-card
options are planned for later in 1994.
The Pro Graphics 1024 is VGA and SVGA compatible and supports all popular DOS
applications and entertainment software. Currently shipping with the proudct
are Windows 3.1 and AutoDesk ADI display drivers. Display drivers for OS/2
2.1 and Windows NT will be available in the near future. The Pro Graphics
1024 is offered in three bus formats -- VL, PCI, or ISA -- for interface to a
386DX-based or highter performance PC system.
Media Vision Performance Brief
Media Vision's new Pro Graphics 1024 graphics accelerator establishes a new
standard of graphics performance for the PC market. Based on the lastest
industry benchmark test, Pro Graphics 1024 is the fastest graphics
accelerator available on the market.
As part of Media Vision's mission to popularize multimedia by offering
solutions at affordable prices, the Pro Graphics 1024 is the ideal solution
for PC users who want to maximize system performance. Its high-resolution
true color capability delivers photo realistic graphics images and enhances
multimedia applications. Designed to be multimedia upgradeable, the Pro
Graphics 1024 opens the door to future developments in multimedia
applications that will enhance communication in educational, business, and
home environments.
Benchmark Testing - WinBench 4.0
Media Vision recommends using the Ziff Davis WinBench 4.0 benchmark test to
measure the performance of the Pro Graphics 1024. WinBench 4.0 is the latest
benchmark test endorsed by Ziff Davis which tests more functions and is a
more reliable gauge of performance than the old WinBench 3.11 test. According
to Ziff Davis, WinBench 4.0 scores cannot be compared with the previously
published WinBench 3.11 scores as these two tests are fundamentally
different.
To compare the performance of Pro Graphics 1024 against other graphics cards
on the market, Media Vision ran WinBench 4.0 on a test platform that matches
the test bed used in PC Magazine's December 7, 1993 review of graphics
accelerators. The results are presented below. In summary, the Pro Graphics
1024 outperforms all graphics cards included in the review.
True Color vs. 256-Color Performance
In True Color mode, a graphics engine has to process and display three times
more data than in the 256-color mode. Thus, operations in True Color mode
demand a very powerful graphics accelerator. Unlike most graphics cards which
slow down significantly when running in True Color (16.7 million colors)
mode, Pro Graphics 1024 is designed so that users do not need to sacrifice
performance for high resolution True Color display. Even in True Color mode,
the Pro Graphics 1024 outperforms all competitors running in 256-color mode.
1024 x 768 Resolution in 16.7 Million Colors
The Pro Graphics 1024 is the only graphics accelerator priced under $1000
that can support 16.7 million colors at 1024 x 768 resolution. In 1024 x 768
16.7 million colors display mode, the Pro Graphics 1024 delivers a WinBench
4.0 Graphics WinMark(tm) score of 16.9M.
____________________________________________________________
/ \
| WinBench 4.0 WinMarks 1024 x 768 in 16.7 million colors |
| |
| Pro Graphics 1024 VL True Color Version 16.9 |
| Appian Renegade 1280/V does not support |
| Diamond Viper VLB does not support |
| Matrox MGA Ultima, VLB does not support |
| ATI Graphics Ultra Pro VLB does not support |
| Number Nine #9GXE VLB does not support |
| Orchid Celsius/VLB does not support |
\____________________________________________________________/
(1) Pro Graphics 1024 test conducted by Media Vision without indepedent
certification from Ziff Davis, using Micronics VL motherboard, Intel
486DX2/66 CPU, 8MB RAM, 256K cache, Western Digital Caviar 2250 IDE hard
drive, MS-DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1 enchanced mode.
(2) All other graphics cards benchmark results as published by Ziff-David in
PC Magazine December 7, 1993 issue; using Micronics EISA/VL motherboard,
486DX2/66 CPU, 8MB RAM, 256K cache, 153 MB hard drive.
1024 x 768 Resolution in 256 Colors
The Pro Graphics 1024 outperforms its closest competitior by 20%, delivering
a WinBench 4.0 Graphics WinMark score of 18.8M.
____________________________________________________________
/ \
| WinBench 4.0 WinMarks 1024 x 768 in 256 colors |
| |
| Pro Graphics 1024 VL True Color Version 18.8 |
| Appian Renegade 1280/V 15.6 |
| Diamond Viper VLB 15.5 |
| Matrox MGA Ultima, VLB 14.1 |
| ATI Graphics Ultra Pro VLB 13.4 |
| Number Nine #9GXE VLB 10.9 |
| Orchid Celsius/VLB 10.3 |
\____________________________________________________________/
800 x 600 Resolution in 16.7 Million Colors
The Pro Graphics 1024 is twice as fast as its closest competitor, delivering
a WinBench 4.9 Graphics WinMark score of 16.9M.
____________________________________________________________
/ \
| WinBench 4.0 WinMarks 800 x 600 in 16.7 million colors |
| |
| Pro Graphics 1024 VL True Color Version 16.9 |
| Appian Renegade 1280/V does not support |
| Diamond Viper VLB 4 |
| Matrox MGA Ultima, VLB 7.4 |
| ATI Graphics Ultra Pro VLB 3.8 |
| Number Nine #9GXE VLB does not support |
| Orchid Celsius/VLB 1.6 |
\____________________________________________________________/
The Best Performance in True Color and 256 Colors
The Pro Graphics architecture is designed for top performance running 16.7
million colors. Unlike most graphics cards which slow down significantly when
running in True Color (16.7 million colors) mode, Pro Graphics 1024 is
designed such that users do not need to sacrifice performance for high
resolution True Color display. Even in True Color mode, the Pro Graphics 1024
outperforms all competitors.
____________________________________________________________
/ \
| WinBench 4.0 WinMarks in True Color and 256 Colors |
| 1024 x 768 in 256 Colors, 800 x 600 in 16.7 million colors |
| |
| Pro Graphics 1024 VL True Color Version 18.8 |
| Appian Renegade 1280/V 15.6 |
| Diamond Viper VLB 15.5 |
| Matrox MGA Ultima, VLB 14.1 |
| ATI Graphics Ultra Pro VLB 13.4 |
| Number Nine #9GXE VLB 10.9 |
| Orchid Celsius/VLB 10.3 |
\____________________________________________________________/
Bundled with the Pro Graphics 1024 True Color version is Kai's Power Tools
for Windows Special Edition, developed by HSC Software of Santa Monica,
California. The software is widely used by leading graphic designers,
photographers and image processing professionals to enhance images with
special effects. It includes 16 powerful plug-in filters and extensions that
significantly expand the capabilities of Windows image manipulation porgrams
such as Adobe Photoshop, Fauve Matisse, Fractal Design Painter, Aldus
Photostyler, and Micrographx Picture Publisher Plus.
Price and Availability
The Pro Graphics 1024 VESA local bus version is available now at $595 for the
True Color version, and at $395 for the 256-color version. ISA bus versions
will be available in Q1; PCI bus versions will be available in Q2.
Media Vision's mission is to popularize multimedia by offering solutions at
affordable prices. Headquartered in Fremont, Calif., the company is a leader
in multimedia for personal computers, including hardware products ranging
from systems and add-in cards to chips based on emerging multimedia standards
for mainstream personal computers, and software titles developed specifically
to take advantage of the power of multimedia computers. The company sells its
products through direct mail, computer retail and mass merchandising channels
and to original equipment manufacturers such as IBM, Apple, Logitech, and
many others. Media Vision's European subsidiary, Media Vision Technology
GmbH, is located in Munich, Germany.
Media Vision is located at 47300 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, California,
telephone 510/770-8600.
-*-
Aldus Acquires Desktop Video Line
_ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \ Seattle, WA -- February 1, 1994
/ - \
/ ___ \
(_/ \_)ldus Corporation today announced it has acquired a line of desktop
video software products from the former desktop division of Digital F/X, Inc.
of Mountain View, California. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Among the products acqiired were a program code-named Hitchcock, a
yet-unreleased non-linear video editing software solution for the Apple
Macintosh; and TitleSoft (also unreleased) a Macintosh-based PostScript
rendering and video title generation software program.
"The acquisition of Hitchcock and TitleSoft has two important implications
for Aldus customers," said Skip Walter, vice president of Aldus' Ineractive
Publishing Group. "It reinforces our commitment to delivering professional-
quality digital video solutions, and it signals another step in our plan to
product core technologies that will lead to a new suite of tools for creating
interactive electronic communications."
The acquisition is Aldus' second video-oriented technology purchase in less
than a year. In July 1993, the company acquired CoSA (the Company of Science
& Art) and its award-winning special effects and motion graphics program,
CoSA After Effects.
Further Development Planned
Neither Hitchcock or TitleSoft is currently available. Aldus plans to
complete both products in 1994 under the direction of three former Digital
F/X software engineers who have joined Aldus subsequent to the acquisition.
Aldus will announce pricing and availability for both products at a later
date.
"Our growing focus on digital video and motion graphics, combined with our
historic expertise in print publishing, will lead to a new suite of Aldus
software tools that allow our customers to integrate typography and graphics
with sound and motion," said Godreau. "The resulting forms of electronic
communication our customers create with these new tools will comprise an
emerging information design and delivery activity that we call interactive
publishing."
Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that help
people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas.
The company focuses on three lines of business: applications for the
professional publishing and prepress markets; applications for the general
consumer market; and new software tools for the emerging interactive
publishing market. Aldus has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific
Rim serving a worldwide network of dealers and distributors.
-*-
InfoBusiness Makes Career Change and Job
Hunting Manageable with Job-Power Source
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Multimedia CD-ROM Includes Occupational Outlooks for 200 Career Areas,
Plus 11 Books on Career Guidance and Two Hours of Video Training
____
(_ _)
/ / Orem, Utah -- January 1994
/ /
_/ /
(____)nfoBusiness, Inc., publishers of America's most comprehensive software
compilations of business, government and entertainment data, has announced
that it will come out with two career guidance CD-ROM discs for personal and
professional use. Both MPC-compliant/Windows titles are shipping now.
Job-Power Source ($59.95) is aimed at individual job seekers and those
interested in changing careers, while Job-Power Source Professional ($149.95)
contains additional information for use by college career planning and
placement offices, high school guidance counselors, employment counselors and
other job professionals. Both discs contain the full text of 11 best-selling
career books by reknowned career experts, Dr. Ron and Caryl Krannich, plus
two hours of video training clips from award-winning communications
specialist and trainer Pat Sladey.
Job-Power Source contains thousands of pages of text on career advancement,
plus up-to-date occupational outlooks on more than 200 career areas. The disc
features sections on salaries, educational and training requirements, career
growth prospects, as well as over 200 examples of resumes and job search
letters. There are even exhaustive sections on techniques for interviewing
and negotiating salaries and benefits.
Job-Power Source Professional
For heavy-duty career advice, Job-Power Source Professional contains
everything that Job-Power Source provides, plus more video and thousands of
pages of additional resources. One of these resources is a complete database
of 12,740 occupationl titles, with descriptions and ratings based on the
applicant's interests and aptitudes; the actual job description and
requirements, including physical exertion levels and/or educational levels
required; and vocational preparation needed, environmental descriptions, and
much more.
"The hot jobs of the '90s are very different from those of yesterday," said
Bryan H. Barron, president of InfoBusiness. "Job-Power Source and Job-Power
Professional outline the necessary skills and strategies for success in the
new economy."
Other features contained on both titles include 25 coming changes for
industries and occupations, 20 growing and declining occupations, 20 of the
fastest growing -- and most rapidly declining -- occupations, plus the 20
best jobs in today's job market.
There's also comprehensive information on conducting informational and
networking interviews, managing job interviews, and negotiating salaries and
benefits. There are more than 200 examples of powerful job search letters, as
well we 50 principles for properly distributing and following up on those
letters. All aspects of the job search are covered, from responding to
vacancy announcements to thank you and job acceptance letters.
Both titles require Windows 3.1 and an MPC-compativle multimedia IBM-PC, 386
or higher, to fully utilize the multimedia information. Text and graphics
only can be accessed with Windows and any 386 computer or higher. Super VGA
display is also highly recommended.
Job-Power Source Facts Sheet
Job-Power Source Multimedia CD-ROM is the comprehensive, mandatory resource
for anyone first entering the job market, re-entering it after an absence, or
changing jobs and careers.
Comprehensive
The Job-Power Source takes you through the process of identifying and
matching your skills with a spedific job/career. This is accomplished due to
the comprehensive nature of the CD-ROM. Included are occupational outlooks on
over 200 career areas with indepth descriptions regarding salaries,
educational and training requirements, working conditions, prospects for
future career growth, etc. The Job-Power Source gives over 200 examples of
Resumes and powerful letters which are used for all types of job search
occasions. These examples combined with evaluation instruments and the 50
principles for writing, teach and enable the Job-Power Source users to
produce resumes and job search letters that will have a tremendous impact.
Job-Power Source walks you through networking and job interviews, teaching
you the necessary principles for successfully negotiating salaries and
benefits. Includes interactive worksheets, evaluations, checklists, goal
setting tables, organization, time management charts and much more.
Authoritative Information
Job-Power Source consists of many works including the authortative knowledge
contained in eleven top-selling career books written by reknown career
writers/experts, Dr. Ron and Caryl Krannich. The Multiemedia CD-ROM
complements the tremendous volume of data with nearly two hours of video by
award-winning Communications Specialist/Trainer Pat Sladey who explicitly
covers the most crucial steps in the job search process.
State-of-the-Art Personalization/Customization of CD-ROM
* Real-time Indexing: Every word that you enter into the document/
software is indexed automatically and is fully searchable immediately.
* Highlighter capabilities allow you to highlight in the software using
different colors much as you would in a book, enabling you to search on
highlighted portions within the software.
* Write notes to yourself within the software, hence enabling you to
search on your personal notes instantly.
* Bookmarks: Place an unlimited number of nameable bookmarks throughout
the software.
Bottom Line
This is your A to Z source for capturing the job/career you deserve. Utilize
this easy to use state-of-the-art technology to put you on the cutting edge
of career success!
Price: SRP $49.95
UPC: 747643006104
ISBN: 1-57065-003-9
Availability: Now
System Requirements: MPC compliant system, 386SX/16 MHz, 2 MB of RAM, CD-ROM
drive, MS-DOS 3.0 or later, Windows 3.1 or later, Sound Board, Headphones or
Speakers, a VGA or VGA+ display, Mouse.
InfoBusiness, Inc., was founded in 1991 to help PC users "turn information
into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into life." The company
also creates information databases (or "infobases") for some of the largest
corporations, government agencies, universities and computer companies in the
world.
InfoBusiness also publishes The Ultimate Job Finder ($59.95), a compendium of
more than 4,500 sources of specialty and trade periodicals, job directories,
job hotlines, job matching services, interactive computer job and resume
databases, plus much more. These sources lead the user to hundreds of
thousands of job openings.
The company's other best-seling titles include Information USA Multimedia
CD-ROM, Government Giveaways for Entrepreneurs (floppy disks and multimedia
CD-ROM), Lesko's Info-Power, Lesko's Computerized Federal Data Base Finder,
The Great American Gripe Disk, The Computerized Standard Industrial Code
(SIC), Mega Movie Guide Multimedia CD-ROM, Mega Movie Guide's Greatest Hits
(floppy disks), Roger Ebert's Deluxe Computerized Movie Home Companion and
the Computerized WordPerfect 5.1 Manual.
Contact InfoBusiness, Inc. at 887 S. Orem Blvd, Orem Utah 84058, telephone
801/221-1100, fax 801/225-0817, order hotline 800/657-5300.
-*-
Strike Commander CD Blasts to New Heights
_ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \ Austin, TX -- January 27, 1994
/ - \
/ ___ \
(_/ \_)fter only five weeks on store shelves, the Strike Commander CD(tm)
is already setting new records at ORIGIN. Released in mid-December, the
Strike Commander CD currently is outselling all of the company's other CD
titles.
Strike Commander CD is ORIGIN's first "CD-enhanced" product, giving players
more game -- and giving back more hard drive space -- than ever before. The
CD version of Strike Commander includes all 41 missions from the original
game as well as 24 more from Tactical Operations(tm). It includes full
digitized speech for all the characters and adds a dynamic musical score that
is enhanced in General MIDI (401 interface).
In addition, the Strike Commander CD:
* Improves frame rate (up to twice as fast)
* Takes up less than 10 MB of hard drive space
* Digitizes all sound effects (this option requires Sound Blaster
or 100% compatible sound card)
* Requires less base memory (no more than 557K)
* Cuts disk access time for loading missions
* Caches data for uninterrupted flight during mssions
* Includes:
Rudder Pedal support or second joystick used as rudder
Realistic Dynamic mode for truer flight simulation
Invisible Cockpit option, allowing unrestricted view of enemies and
horizon
No-haze option for high-end machines and improved visibility
Improved enemy intelligence (AI) for more challenging dogfights
Gauntlet mode to test air combat skills with wave after wave of enemy
fighters
ORIGIN Systems develops and publishes state-of-the-art entertainment
software. To date, the company has released more than 35 titles, including
the award-winning Ultima and Commander series of games. ORIGIN is based at
12940 Research Blvd, Austin, Texas 78750.
-*-
New Virtual Tarot CD-ROM Offers "Multimedia For Your Mind"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Virutal Tarot Blends Ancient Mystic Science
with Modern Computer Technology
____
(_ _) Sunnyvale, California -- February 1994
/ /
_/ /
(____)f you've been wondering where multimedia is going, now you can ask your
CD-ROM. Virtual Media Works today announced the introduction of Virtual
Tarot, a multimedia CD-ROM based on the ancient mystic science of the Tarot.
Virtual Tarot offers an entertaining and surprisingly accurate look at a
player's personal questions and future possibilities. It is challenging and
promises to stretch your mind and intuition. The game features computer
generated graphics and animations, video animation, original music and
vocals.
Virtual Tarot is being initially released for the Macintosh with a PC
compatible version planned for the first quarter of 1994. The minimum system
configuration requirement is a Macintosh LC running System 7 with a 13-inch,
256-color monitor and 5MB of memory. Virtual Tarot is priced at $49.95. The
Virtual Tarot bundle, containing the CD and a Rider-Waite tarot desk, is
$64.95.
"Virtual Tarot is unlike any other multimedia product on the market," states
Jeff Manning, president of Virtual Media Works. "Multimedia, to date, has
focused on linear games which exhaust most user's interest after a short
period of time. With Virtual Tarot, the play is endless."
Virtual Tarot's easy-to-use interface includes option-click voice helps for
most screen items, a skip-animation feature for quick access to the various
aspects of the game, and on-screen controls that allow features to be turned
on or off according to the player's preferences. Virtual Tarot also offers
advanced interactivity with a personalized diary for logging past readings.
Virtual Tarot makes the Tarot entertaining and immediately useful for both
the novice and experienced users. It features the artwork of one of the most
popular and well recognized Tarot decks in the world: the Rider-Waite Tarot
deck. The product includes ten different card layouts ranging from a
contemporary version of the clasic Celtic Cross to subject specific layouts
such as Career, Love, Health, and Money. Each layout has its own evocative
graphics, animations and original music designed to awaken the player's
subconscious and focus his or her intutitive energies.
When using a Virtual Tarot divination layout, a player "deals" a card by
clicking on a deck. Using a complex algorithm that takes into account the
precise moment in time that the player chooses to select their card, each
card is "dealt" through the players actions, not the computer's.
Male and female voices provide concise meanings or cards and their positional
significance. Playes can select between hearing either the original card
meanings by A.E. Waite, or contemporary meanings by M.L. Foster, a practicing
intuitive Tarot reader. Expanded meanings by both authors are available
through the Divination's Interpretation window. Players can also select to
hear the tones and see the colors associated with each card according to the
mystic tradition of the Qabbalah.
The Instruction and Philosophy segments of Virtual Tarot use movies to
instruct the player on the history of the Tarot, the organization of the
deck, how to do a useful divination, and how to effectively use the program.
The Card Review segment presents cards in significant groupings to encourage
understanding of their subtle meanings and the relationships between various
cards.
After completing any of the ten card layouts, a player can print or save
results to a personal diary for future review. Results are saved with the
player's name, the layout type, date and up to three key-words. Saved diary
entries can be reviewed to reveal significant characteristics and trends of
earlier readings.
Tarot Fact Sheet
Tarot reading is an ancient art used to examine current situations and gain
insights into the future. It takes years of practice to become adept at
interpreting the Tarot using the traditional method of a card desk with
reference books to look up card meanings and divinatory layouts. With Virtual
Tarot, a player can immediately begin to effectively use the cards while
discovering the subtleties of Tarot divination.
The Rider-Waite Tarot desk includes 78 cards divided into two primary groups:
the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. The 22 Major Arcana cards are numbered
0 through 21. The Minor Arcana cards are divided into four suits: Wands,
Cups, Swords and Pentacles. Each suit includes ten numbered cards and four
court cards; the Page, Knight, Queen, and King. Each card has two unique
divinatory meanings; upright or dignified, and reversed or ill-dignified.
Tarot readings or Divinations are done by laying cards into specific patterns
or layouts. Each card position in a layout has a specific significance that
is used with each card's individual meaning to create the overall
Divination.
The Rider-Waite deck was designed by A.E. Waite, a well-known spiritualist in
the early 1900s.
The Qabbalah is an ancient Judiac mystic belief system which is believed to
the be the basis for medieval Tarot decks.
Virtual Tarot: Technical Fact Sheet
The following products were used in the creation of Virtual Tarot.
Hardware:
* Apple Macintosh Quadra 700, 850, IIfx and IIsi
* Silicon Graphics Indigo workstation
* Umax UC630 color scanner
* Two 1.2 gigabyte external Quantum disks
* Wacom drawing tablet
* Syquest 88C and 44
* Pinnacle Micro RCD 202 CD-R recording device
Software:
* Macromedia Director as authoring program
* CoSA PACo animation compiler
* Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere
* Strata 3D for 3D modeling and animation
* Video Bits distributed UNIX renderer for the Silicon Graphics Indigo
Sound:
* Opcode Vision for music sequencing
* Digidesign ProTools 2.0 for Sound FX and Dialogue editing
* Digidesign SampleCell II for Sound FX and Musical Sounds
* SoundEdit Pro (8-bit, 22k AIFF format) for digitizing Music
SFX and Dialogue
* Various keyboards and modules for music: Korg M1 and M3r, Yamaha DX7,
EMAX II, Alesis D4, Prophet VX, Kurzweil K1000, Oberheim Matrix 6r
Virtual Media Works develops interactive multimedia CD-ROM products. To
purchase Vurtual Tarot, call 800-292-3157. For business information contact
Virtual Media Works, P.O.Box 70030, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 or call
408/739-0301.
-*-
__________________________________________________________________________
___ _
/ __) | | Dateline: February 18, 1994
/ / _ _ | |__ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __ ___
| | | | | || _ \ | __)| _)/ __)| \ / | / _|| __)
\ \__| |_| || |_) || _) | | \__ \| |) )| (| || |_ | _)
\___)\__ ||____/ |___)|_| (___/| _/ \___( \__||___)
__| | | |
(___/ |_| Report Weekly
__________________________________________________________________________
Multimedia, Desktop Video, and Virtual Reality RoundTable on GEnie.
Copyright (c) Peggy Herrington 1994. Freely Distributable If Intact.
__________________________________________________________________________
Stories in This Issue...
1. The DigiVideo Multimedia Business Card
2. Kubota Pacific Signs $11 Million OEM Agreement with Visions of Reality
3. Sports Fans Software Boasts Screen Savers, Schedules and Stats
4. Electronic Arts and Broderbund Announcement Agreement to Merge
5. Comedian Dennis Miller Goes Interactive
6. Carmen Sandiego Cruises The USA in Deluxe Style on CD-ROM
-*-
The DigiVideo Multimedia Business Card
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
_ _ How Business will DO business in the 21st Century...
( \ / )
\ \/ / Tucson, AZ -- February 17, 1994
\ /
/ /
(_/ou never get a second chance to make a first impression. This credo of the
20th Century has created the 21st Century's first business product -- the
DigiVideo(TM) Business Card.
As with the current century's business cards, a DigiVideo Business Card
prominently features the person's name, the name of the business, the logo of
the business, its address and its phone numbers. There the similarities end.
How a DigiVideo Business Card is Used...
A DigiVideo Business Card is given to a customer who then places it into his
or her computer. The computer then plays on its screen a short movie extolling
the virtues of your business.
After the movie plays, a text document (such as a letter, brochure, etc.)
automatically fills the screen. This two-page document can feature such
information as price schedules, product listings, and more!
It's simple. It's compelling. It's the business card of the future.
Price: $199 Set-up Charge
$1.99 apiece ($1.49 each for 500+)
==================
Siver Package
Your Silver Package DigiVideo Brochure features all elements needed to
complete a professional 3:00 minute videotape including:
* Two hours of videotaping in our studio
* Unlimited stock graphics, artwork and animation
* Umlimited broadcast-quality text and CD-Quality music
* Complete scriptwriting service
How a DigiVideo Brochure is Used
A DigiVideo Brochure is used much like a standard printed brochure. The
difference is that, once a customer places it into his or her VCR, the
DigiVideo Brochure explodes into action with beautiful music, stunning
graphics, broadcast quality text, professional announcers, full-motion video,
and more.
Price: $595 production charge
Includes 10 copies
Additional copies $1.99
Time Needed: 10 Business Days
===================
Gold Package
Your Gold Package DigiVideo Brochure features all elements to complete a
professional 5:00 minute videotape including:
* Two hours of videotaping in our studio or at your location
* Unlimited stock graphics, artwork and animation
* Unlimited broadcast-quality text and CD-quality music
* Complete scriptwriting service
Price $895 production charge
Includes 20 copies
Additional copies $1.99 each
Time Needed 10 Business Days
===================
Platinum Package
Your Platinum Package DigiVideo Brochure features all elements needed to
complete a professional 7:00 minute videotape including:
* Four hours of studio or on location videotaping
* Unlimited stock graphics, artwork and animation
* Unlimited broadcast-quality text and CD-quality music
* Complete scriptwriting service
Price $1295 production charge
Includes 30 copies
Additional copies $1.99 each
Time Needed 10 Business Days
===================
The following reprinted from The Arizona Business Gazette, Jan. 27, 1994:
Global Network Plays a Role in Digital Document Firm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
by Marilyn Johnson
TUCSON -- Throw out your business cards. A Tucson entrepreneur has found a way
to make marketing on paper about as influential as the letters "p" in
pneumonia and "k" in knitting.
Eight-month-old DigiVideo of Tucson links experts all over the world via
Internet, an international computer network, to produce an array of
attention-getting, personalized marketing tools that cost significantly less
than traditional production methods allow, said Langdon Hill, company founder
and president.
The company creates business cards, brochures, catalogs, newsletters,
proposals, resumes, books, greeting cards and fliers on computer disks and
videotapes.
For personal use, DigiVideo also produces digital postcards, children's books,
family albums and family trees, and videotapes made from children's, family or
other photo sessions, including engagement, glamour and senior-year shots.
For a $99 [Cyberspace note: Price since been changed to $199] setup charge,
for example, the company will, in 72 hours, create a "DigiBusiness Card" -- a
computer disk a customer can place in a computer. Voila! Up pops "a short
movie extolling the virutes of your business," according to DigiVideo's own
DigiBusiness Card.
The disks cost 99 cents each [Cyberspace Note: Price since changed to $1.99]
and can be ordered in Macintosh, Windows or DOS formats.
More than 200 people all over the world who are technical "Michelangelos" in
specific applications such as digital animation work on DigiVideo projects,
Mr. Hill said. The teams never meet face-to-face. Everything is done via the
network.
DigiVideo can often meet needs other companies can't because its production
process allows for flexibility while keeping costs low, Mr. Hill said.
For example, when Hughes Missle System Co.'s in-house staff couldn't produce a
seven-minute broadcast video of a proposal for high-level government officials
in two days, DigiVideo did.
While standard production would have cost $14,000 to $30,000, DigiVideo
charged $995, he said. And the company personalized the introduction of the
tapes for each recipient.
The digital format -- essentially mathematical information -- that the company
uses makes everything so easy to edit that additions such as personalization
can be done in a minute, Mr. Hill said.
Digital video allows the company to keep costs down because digital cameras
can pan and zoom without requiring the camera to move. Instead, Mr. Hill said,
the camera is set in place -- the computer puts in pans and zooms after scenes
have been recorded.
Mr. Hill, founder of Tucson's Gaslight Theater, also has been known through
columns and a book as "Mr. Romance." He said he began investigating multimedia
digital techniques more than two years ago when he became executive producer
of a project called "Passionate Parents" after completing a $1 million pilot
for a "Mr. Romance" show.
He wanted "Passionate Parents" to look different and be fun, he said, but
nothing was available to do what he wanted.
"By continually following up, I got to meet people and talk to them because it
was early in the cycle," he said. "People were looking for people to help
them, because it was all in their heads."
After the technology needed became available six months ago, DigiVideo
business took off, Mr. Hill said. The company already has moved three times
and, on Feb. 1, will take over the former Pima Savings building at 151 N.
Stone Ave. Internet plans to house its equipment for southern Arizona in what
will become the DigiVideo Building, Mr. Hill said.
DigiVideo's client list includes a number of large corporations, including
Mead Johnson Corp., Capital Spouts, Truly Nolan and Patio Pools, Mr. Hill
said.
He projects that his full-time staff of five will expand to as many as 50 by
the end of the year. The company also intends to offer franchises.
[End article]
DigiVideo Productions(SM) Product List
Business Card -- Computer Disk
Brochures -- See Silver, Gold, Platinum Packages above
Catalog -- Computer Disk or Videotape
Newsletter -- Computer Disk or Videotape
Proposal -- Computer Disk or Videotape
Resume - Computer Disk or Videotape
Presentations for Trade Shows, Conventions, Corporate
Point of Sale -- Video Billboards
Professional Brochures for Doctors, Dentists, Attorneys, Insurance Agents,
Financial Planners
Rewards: Stress Relief, Secrets of Success, DigiMotivation!
Broadcast Media Commmercials (30 & 60 seconds) and Infomercials (30 & 60
Minutes). For more information, contact DigiVideo, 4444 East Grand Rd., Suite
108, Tucson, Arizona, 602/321-4546 or 800/636-DIGI.
-*-
Kubota Pacific Signs $11 Million OEM Agreement with Visions of Reality
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kubota's 3D Graphics Workstations, Based on Digital's High-Performance
Alpha AXP Processor, to Drive Virtual Reality Entertainment Centers
_ _
/ )/ )
/ // / New York City, Toy Fair -- February 14, 1994
/ ~_/
/ /\ \
(_/ \_)ubota Pacific Computer Inc. (KPC) and Visions of Reality Corporation
(VOR) today announced an $11 million OEM product agreement. Under the terms of
the agreement -- the first in a series -- Kubota will supply VOR with
high-performance three-dimensional (3D) graphics workstations based on Digital
Equipment Corporation's Alpha AXP microprocessor.
Visions of Reality, creator of the world's most realistic virtual reality (VR)
adventures, will use hundreds of Kubota Model 3300 3D graphics workstations to
drive its virtual reality experiences in VOR family entertainment centers.
During 1994, VOR will open multiple centers in malls, amusement parks, and
casinos throughout the United States, as well as in London and Paris.
"We were looking for a solution that could give us great graphics, a truly
distributed computing environment, and terrific price/performance," said Ken
Stone, project administrator for VOR. "We found it all in Kubota's
leading-edge 3D graphics workstation, a system that allows us to bring virtual
reality to life. These high-performance workstations provide extremely
detailed 3D graphic images which make our adventures look startlingly lifelike
-- at an affordable price that will let us build entertainment centers
throughout the world."
"Our 3D graphics workstations help VOR make its vision a reality," said
Jeffrey W. Dunn, vice president of marketing for Kubota Pacific. "This is a
strong endorsement for Kubota's product quality, for VOR has become known for
demanding the best technology and the most creative use of graphics in the
entertainment industry."
Virtual Game Playing: "Pods" Immerse Players in Realistic 3D Images
Each of the new VOR entertainment centers will feature from six to thirty-six
spaceship-like "pods," each of which is a seat for the virtual reality
gameplayer. Each player sits in a 7 x 8-foot pod, wearing a head-mounted
display for viewing the game's virtual reality images. The system immerses
players in realistic 3D images, allowing each player to interact with other
players and characters who are part of the game.
In each pod, Kubuta Model 3300 3D graphics workstations will control the play
and render the graphics of several different virtual reality adventures, such
as the first game to be introduced: "Cybergate"(tm). The workstations are
networked via Ethernet, allowing multiple players to participate in one game.
Because Kubota's products have the fastest image processing and graphics
rendering available today, they provide the fast frame rate (more than 30
frames per second), highly detailed graphics, and realistic motion necessary
to make players feel as if they have entered into and are interacting with
another world.
In addition to providing 3D graphics workstations, Kubota's engineering staff
also assisted VOR with the Cybergate space adventure game. Kubota's resident
experts helped VOR take advantage of Kubota's lifelike graphics, making the
game more exciting to play. With Kubota's optimization, images move faster and
more realistically.
Virtual Reality Workstations Powered by Digital's Alpha AXP Microprocessor
Kubota Model 3300 3D graphics workstations are the first to feature an
architecture that combines hardware optimized for both high-speed graphics
rendering and image processing. Kubota's workstations include an advanced
architecture combining integrated hardware support delivering high-end texture
mapped scenes. "As the highest performance RISC chip on the market, Alpha
gives us the speed we need to create our extremely detailed, full-motion 3D
graphics," said Dunn.
"This important partnership with Kubota Pacific Computers Inc. and Visions of
Reality signals at least three major shifts in our industry," said Digital
Equipment Corporation's Component OEM Vice President Jim Willis. "First, it
clearly demonstrates the power of the Alpha AXP architecture in securing new
emerging markets; second, it shows Digital Equipment Corporation's
unmistakable commitment to the worldwide OEM product and services business;
and third, it positions Digital and our important OEM partners to compete
effectively against older technology vendors to meet a whole new range of
challenging application demands."
"The real-time high resolution display of full motion video, together with the
multiplayer interaction and game calculations makes tremendous demands on
computer technology. VOR's entertainment system is proof that the Kubota 3D
graphics workstations, based on Kubota's high-performance graphics technology
and the Alpha AXP microprocessor, are the best soltion for satisfying these
demands at the best price," said Dominic Ricchetti, director and principal
analyst, workstations worldwide for Dataquest.
About the Companies
Kubota Pacific Computer Inc.
Kubota Pacific Computer Inc. (KPC) develops and maintains high-performance 3D
graphics and image processing workstations for design, engineering, technical,
and entertainment applications. Headquartered in Santa Clara, Califonia,
Kubota Pacific is wholly-owned subsidiary of Kubota Corporation, a $7 billion
multinational corporation.
Centers such as VOR's underscore Kubota's focus in the location-based
entertainment market segment. Kubota's 3D graphics products are already widely
accepted in markets such as MCAD (mechanical computer-aided design) for
product design and modeling, and imaging, which includes medical,
defense/intelligence, and geoscience applications.
Visions of Reality Corporation
Visions of Reality Corporation (VOR) is the brainchild of virtual reality
visionary Dan K. Rice and The Black Diamond Group, who jointly developed the
concept of multivenue virtual reality family entertainment centers and pulled
together industry players Angel Studios, Digital Equipment Corporation,
Greystone Technology, Kaiser Electro-Optics Inc., and Kubota Pacific Computer
Inc. to develop the most sophisticated and realistic virtual reality
experiences the world has ever seen.
Digital Equipment Corporation
Digital Equipment Corporation is the world's leader in scalable open
client/server solutions from personal computing to integrated worldwide
information systems. Digital's Alpha AXP platforms, storage, networking,
software and services, together with industry-focus solutions from business
partners, help organizations compete and win in today's global marketplace.
-*-
Sports Fans Software Boasts Screen Savers, Schedules and Stats
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sports Yearbook and Information Manager Geared
to NHL Fans, NFL and MLB SportsGuides to Follow
_ _
/ \/ \ Ashland, Oregon -- February 1994
/ \
/ /\ /\ \
(_/ \/ \_)omentum Development, Inc. (MDI), an Oregon-based software
developer and publisher, announced the release of the NHL SportsGuide for
Windows, an electronic sports yearbook and personal information manager
featuring officially licensed team logo screen savers and wallpaper (MSRP
$49.95). Geared to National Hockey League (NHL) fans, this point-and-click
graphical program brings the excitment of professional hockey to the desktop
by enabling users to customize their Windows PCs to reflect the look, logo,
schedule, stats and standings of their favorite NHL team. Complete with
Windows "wallpaper" and screen savers, the NHL SportsGuide also supplies
annual team schedules, team and player statistics, team standings, full-color
arena maps with seating and ticket information, as well as a calendar showing
national television appearances for every team in the league. The NHL
SportsGuide is available now (MDI: 800-262-3926). NFL and Major League
Baseball Sports Guides will ship in the first quarter on 1994.
Designed to be more than just another screen saver, the program contains a
personal information manager including an appointment calendar that lists
scheduled NHL games, a personal phone book and note pad. Other features
include: a clipboard with cut-and-paste capabilities, a full Windows Help
system and a trivia game with team-specific and/or league-wide sets of
questions. The SportsGuide trivia game with stadium sound effects is a fun way
for users to test their sports knowledge and advance from rookie status to
owner as questions are correctly answered.
According to MDI, National Football League and Major League Baseball
SportsGuides with the same comprehensive feature package, will be released in
the first quarter of 1994. Annual updates, featuring new schedules, stats and
standings will also be available pre-season. The company also anticipates
annual feature upgrades as new capabilities are added.
"Company research indicates that over one-half of all Windows users are sports
fans," said Fred Thomas, president of MDI. "That's about 20 million people
who, we think, would rather customize their PCs with sports than 'sport'
airborne appliances. With SportsGuides' screen savers and wallpaper, these
users can add the look and colors of their favorit team to their desktop PCs.
Out users can combine team logos to display a variety of eye-catching,
animated screen savers that are officially licensed by professional sports
leagues."
Sports Guides also include stats, standings and personnel listings that can be
kept up-to-date via modem or diskette. The company has installed an electronic
bulletin board system (BBS) for keeping SportsGuide users current. According
to Thomas: "Sports fans of the future will want to receive information in a
variety of ways. On-line services, featuring the latest news, information,
images and audio clips, will be primary sources of sports information. MDI
expects to be a major player in this emerging market."
Using MDI's SportsGuides, text-based team and league information can be
printed or imported into other programs through the built-in "Clipboard"
feature. Another SportsGuide module features full-color stadium and arena maps
with seating infromation and ticket order phone numbers, as well as
information on the location, history, ownership and coaching of every team in
the league. The calendar lets users schedule appointments, at home or away,
around important games. Scheduled games and national television coverage can
be displayed from the calendar with a click of the mouse. An electronic phone
book is also included -- making the NHL SportsGuide a complete personal and
sports information manager.
"Using SportsGuides, fans with home, portable or office computers can
experience conflict-free personal and sports event scheduling in a custom
Windows environment. We are enthusiastic about bringing the excitement of
sports to Windows users through our electronics sports yearbooks and
organizers," Thomas concluded.
The NHL SportsGuide will be available through retail outlets and by calling
MDI directly at 800/262-3926. SportsGuides have a suggested retail price of
$49.95 and a limited warranty of 90 days. Future editions of SportsGuide
software are presently being developed to include other popular porfessional
sports as well as collegiate men's and women's sports. Collegiate editions
will feature either a student class scheduler or an alumni events and game
calendar. MDI also plans to develop other sports-related software products
including CD-ROM based multimedia titles and electronic publishing services.
MDI is located at 240 E. Hersey Street, #11, Ashland, OR 97520. The company
can be reached at 503/488-1227 (voice) or 503/488-1157 fax.
-*-
Electronic Arts and Broderbund Announcement Agreement to Merge
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
____ Transaction valued at approximately $400 million
/ ___)
/ (_ San Mateo, CA -- February 9, 1994
/ ___)
/ (_
(____)lectronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Broderbund Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:BROD)
today announced that the two companies have signed a definitive agreement to
merge. The merger is expected to be completed by the end of May 1994 and is
subject to approval by the stockholders of each company and other customary
conditions.
The holders of Broderbund common stock will receive 1.6 common shares of
Electronic Arts' common stock for each share of Broderbund common stock in a
transaction valued at approximately $400 million. Approximately 15.4 million
shares of Electronic Arts' common stock will be exchanged for Broderbund
common stock representing approximately 25 percent of the combined company on
a pro forma basis. In addition, Electronic Arts will assume all outstanding
Broderbund options. The transaction will be effected on a tax-free basis and
will be accounted for as a pooling of interests.
Electronic Arts is a leading third party publisher in the interactive
entertainment software industry for the 16-bit video game cartridge and the
personal computer software markets. Broderbund is the leading developer of
education and personal productivity software for the consumer software market.
Broderbund will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Electronic Arts, with
operations continuing in Novato, Callifornia. Electronic Arts' operations will
continue in San Mateo, California as well as in its other worldwide locations.
"We are pleased about the creation of a diversified interactive consumer media
company with this merger," said Larry Probst, president and chief executive
officer of Electronic Arts. "Broderbund's strengths in the education and
personal productivity markets complement Electronic Arts' established
leadership position in the entertainment software category. This combination
is an excellent strategic fit, both in terms of creative cultures and
complementary distribution channels and product lines."
"This merger unifies two of the best names in consumer software and paves the
way for many exciting opportunities," said Doug Carlson, chairman and chief
executive officer of Broderbund. "In particular, this will allow Broderbund to
broaden our sales and distribution capability, especially in the international
arena. This partnership enables us to expand our product offerings to next
generation hardware systems and to take advantage of Electronic Arts'
investment in leading-edge tools and technology in that area."
Doug Carlston will join Electronic Arts' board of directors, which will now
consist of eight members. Both companies expect Carlston to remain active in
the management of the combined organization. Ed Auer, president and chief
operating officer, had previously announced his intention to retire from
Broderbund in the spring of 1994; however, he will remain with the company at
least until the merger is completed. Carlston, the holder of approximately 18%
of the outstanding Broderbund common stock, and Trip Hawkins, holder of
approximately 7% of Electronic Arts' common stock, have agreed to vote their
shares in favor of the merger.
In the merger, the offering of Electronic Arts' common stock to Broderbund
stockholders will be made only by means of a prospectus.
Broderbund Software, Inc. is a diversified consumer software company that
offers a broad selection of fun, award-winning products for use in homes,
schools, and small businesses. Founded in 1980, the company is committed to
creating imaginative personal computer software with lasting value for every
member of the family.
Electronic Arts is a diversified interactive entertainment and education
company that develops, publishes and distributes software worldwide. The
company was founded in 1982 and has an annual sales rate of approximately $400
million. Corporate headquarters are located in San Mateo, California. The
company also has offices in Texas, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia and
Japan.
-*-
Comedian Dennis Miller Goes Interactive
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Joins with Sanctuary Woods to Deliver Interactive Comedy Titles
____
/ ___)
( (__ Victoria, British Columbia -- February 1994
\__ \
___) )
(____/anctuary Woods Multimedia Inc., a leading developer of family-oriented
entertainment and educational CD-ROM titles, announced it has entered into an
agreement with Miller*Pickering Syndications to co-develop, publish and
distribute interactive comedy titles in collaboration with former Saturday
Night Live comedian Dennis Miller. Miller*Pickering Syndications is an
interactive media development company co-owned by Miller.
The first two titles developed under the agreement, "Dennis Miller That's News
to Me" and "Dennis Miller That's Geek to Me," will ship in January and March
respectively for Mac/MPC platforms and the 3DO(tm) system. An additional
comedy product from this joint effort will be introduced later in 1994.
The announcement was made initially in conjunction with the Consumer
Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas January 6 - 9, and follows a similar
announcement Sanctuary Woods made here with COMEDY CENTRAL(tm), the only
all-comedy cable channel ("Sanctuary Woods Signs Development/Licensing Deal
with COMEDY CENTRAL").
Miller: Why Interactive?
Dennis Miller recognized early on that interactivity was going to impact the
entertainment industry. He saw an application for his intellectual humor in
this evolving medium and joined veteran creative producer Curtis Pickering in
January 1993 to experiment with the technology. The two later formed the
development company Miller*Pickering Syndications to produce creative
applications for interactive media.
"No one in the entertainment world today can say interactivity isn't going to
have a big impact tomorrow," said Dennis Miller. "I'm a neophyte when it comes
to computers, but this new media seemed like an excellent way of getting some
good jokes out there in a different format. Besides, I didn't want to look
back in five years and be upset because I missed the bus on the information
superhighway."
Interactive publishing is the first phase of Miller*Pickering's goals, and the
titles developed and published with Sanctuary Woods are the first the company
has produced. The second phase will be to develop additional titles and
develop prototype applications for interactive television, also with Sanctuary
Woods.
"Sanctuary Woods came recommended by people in the technology industry as a
young, sharp and innovative company," said Pickering, co-owner of
Miller*Pickering Syndications. "Miller*Pickering is excited to pair with them
as we pioneer comedy in this heavy-hitting technology of multimedia."
The Dennis Miller publishing agreement and product introductions launch
Sanctuary Woods' new I-laugh(tm) brand of interactive comedy products. I-laugh
titles, which target adult audiences ages 18 and up, encompass a wide range of
interactive entertainment products that use humor, instead of action or
adventure, as a backbone.
"Sanctuary Woods is using interactive comedy as a means to bring the
interactive experience to a larger audience, one that includes grown-ups,
girls and younger children in addition to adolescent boys," said Scott
Walchek, president of Sanctuary Woods. "Miller*Pickering, a company that
combines the wit and entertainment industry knowledge of Dennis Miller, one of
America's favorite stand-up comedians, is an attractive partner to lead in
this genre."
Miller: The Products The Dennis Miller Series of I-laugh titles will combine
CD-quality sound with full-color digital video clips that feature Miller
applying his cynical, understated view of the world to various thematic
situations. Users interact by navigating through several topics to choose what
they want to see.
"Dennis Miller That's News to Me" is Miller's comical look at the punchlines
behind the headlines of 1993. On the CD-ROM, he lambasts a spectrum of topical
events, from the lost Mars probe to President Clinton's Cabinet appointments.
This collector's interactive disk is divided into four headings: politics,
world events, sports and show business. Users can skim through each topic a
month at a time to view 206 digital video clips of, in Miller's words, "the
historical carnage that was 1993."
"Dennis Miller That's Geek to Me" is Miller's computer glossary for the
technically challenged. The glossary promises to comfort those confused by
technical jargon, while endlessly humoring those "in the know." Players select
from more than 180 computer or multimedia terms to view Miller's attempt at a
definition (with tongue firmly in check) on the left side of the screen, and a
correct definition given by an animated computer engineer on the right.
Terms such as attraction loop ("What I was always out of in a singles bar") to
morphing ("Michael Jackson's been in a slow morph since he was 14 years old")
are defined through digital video clips as Miller and the techy engineer
engage in witty banter.
Configuration, Price and Availability "That's News to Me" and "That's Geek to
Me" require a 386SX PC or higher with Windows 3.1 or higher, a Super VGA
monitor, 4MB of RAM, a sound card and a CD-ROM drive; a Macintosh LC or
greater with at least 4 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive; or Panasonic's REAL(tm)
3DO Interactive Multiplayer(tm) system.
Both Dennis Miller titles are priced at $29.95 for MPC/Mac and $39.95 for 3DO.
"That's News to Me" will ship in January for MPC, Macintosh and 3DO; "That's
Geek to Me" will ship in March for MPC and Mac. The Dennis Miller titles and
all of Sanctuary Woods' other products are distributed in North America by
Electronic Arts and sold through computer retail and consumer electronics
stores.
Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Inc. develops family-oriented entertainment and
educational multimedia titles distributed on CD-ROM for desktop and
entertainment platforms including MPC, Macintosh and 3DO. Sanctuary Woods
produces its titles under four brands: I-laugh, I-learn(tm), I-tales(tm) and
I-ventures(tm). Current titles include Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life,
The Awesome Adventures of Victor Vector & Yondo Series, The Hawaii High Series
and Sitting on the Farm.
Founded in 1988, with headquarters in Victoria, British Columbia, Sanctuary
Woods Multimedia Corporation is a public company currently traded on NASDAQ
(SWMCF) and the Vancouver Stock Exchange (SWD.V). Sanctuary Woods Multimedia
Inc., a subsidiary of Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corp., has sales, marketing
and operations headquarters in San Mateo.
-*-
Carmen Sandiego Cruises The USA in Deluxe Style on CD-ROM
___ ___~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(_ )( _)
/ /_/ / Novato, CA -- January 1993
/ __ /
_/ / / /
(___)(__)op into your '57 Chevy and cruise to Nebraska while Jerry Douglas
roars through the ragtime instrumental "Red Rug Rag." All this while sitting
at home, in front on your CD-ROM-ready personal computer, playing Where in the
USA is Carmen Sandiego?(R) Deluxe, the latest release by Broderbund Software
Inc. (NASDAQ:BROD).
Kids ages nine and up can see the sites of America while learning from over
3,000 geographical clues that lead to the capture of Carmen and her gang.
"Kids learn about their country as they chase Carmen," says Ken Goldstein,
publisher. "For example, a trip to Wyoming is rewarded with a scenic
photograph of the Grand Tetons and the sounds of Slim Critchlow singing 'Old
Paint,' the tune that ended dances and sent the cowboys back to the
bunkhouse."
CD-ROM Specific Features
The ACME State-A-Base, a feature unique to this CD-ROM version, allows the
player to view a state's topographical map, learn facts particular to each
state, and listen to a description spoken by a person with a unique regional
accent. For example, kids can hear the difference bewteen the southern drawl
of Texas and the regional accent of Boston.
2-2-2 Carmen USA CD-ROM
Another special CD-ROM feature is classic American music from all 50 states,
including folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, Native American, zydeco, country and
more. An electronic catalog of music and photographs used in the game is also
available on the compact disc.
Carmen and her gang members heist priceless treasures and landmarks -- the
countdown clock from the Kennedy Space Center, New Orleans Mardi Gras floats
or all the neon lights in Las Vegas -- then lead players on a country-wide
chase. Kids take a job with the ACME Detective Agency, draw an assignment from
the Chief, then travel across the USA, hot on the heels of the crooks. Whether
they're playing at home or at school, children learn fascinating facts about
America, its people, and its cultural diversity.
This product, available in stores for approximately $55, also comes with a
Broderbund special edition of Fodor's USA(tm) travel guide to aid kids in
their quest to capture Carmen. Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe
requires an IBM PC or compatible 386SX or faster, a CD-ROM drive, VGA video
card, Sound Blaster or compatible sound card, and MS-DOS or PC-DOS 3.1 or
higher.
Carmen appears outside the computer screen,too. She's the first software
character to be licensed for children's television game show (PBS) now in its
third season, as well as a cartoon series which debuted in January 1994 on FOX
Television. Created in 1985, the award-winning Carmen Sandiego series has sold
over 3.5 million copies.
Broderbund Software, Inc., is a diversified consumer software company that
offers a broad selection of fun, award-winning products for use in homes and
schools. Founded in 1980, and based in Novato, California, the company is
committed to creating imaginative personal computer software of lasting value
for every member of the family.
Carmen Sandiego is a registered trademark of Broderbund Software, Inc. All
other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
-*-
__________________________________________________________________________
___ _
/ __) | | Dateline: February 25, 1994
/ / _ _ | |__ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ __ ___
| | | | | || _ \ | __)| _)/ __)| \ / | / _|| __)
\ \__| |_| || |_) || _) | | \__ \| |) )| (| || |_ | _)
\___)\__ ||____/ |___)|_| (___/| _/ \___( \__||___)
__| | | |
(___/ |_| Report Weekly
__________________________________________________________________________
Multimedia, Desktop Video, and Virtual Reality RoundTable on GEnie.
Copyright (c) Peggy Herrington 1994. Freely Distributable Intact.
__________________________________________________________________________
Stories in This Issue...
1. Second ACM International Conference on Multimedia
2. Animotion Debuts MSC SoundSavers and MSC SoundRevue
3. Sanctuary Woods "Sitting On The Farm" Available for PC and Mac
4. NeoPaint from NeoSoft Corp.
5. NeoBook and NeoBook Professional
6. NeoShow Professional
7. Runtime License for INOVAtronics' Amiga CanDo
ACM MULTIMEDIA 94
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
October 15-20, 1994, San Francisco, California
The Second ACM International Conference on Multimedia
Sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery
SIGBIO, SIGBIT, SIGCHI, SIGCOMM, SIGGRAPH,
SIGIR, SIGLINK, SIGMM, and SIGOIS
in cooperation with
SIGAPP, SIGCAPH, SIGCPR, SIGMOD, SIGOPS, and
the IEEE Communications Society.
_
/ \ PRELIMINARY CALL FOR PARTICIPATION
/ - \
/ ___ \
(_/ \_)CM Multimedia 94 will provide an international forum for papers,
panels, courses, workshops, and exhibits focusing on the synergies between
processing and communicating information represented in multiple media
(multimedia). Research ideas, emerging technologies, engineering
methodologies, prototype demonstrations, and experiences should be submitted
for review.
Technical areas for Multimedia 94 include, but are not limited to:
applications and tools; video information systems; interactive television;
collaboration environments; database and information systems; distributed
systems; operating system extensions; hardware and architectures; networking
and communication; media integration and synchronization; image, video and
audio compression techniques; programming paradigms and environments; storage
and I/O architectures; and user interfaces.
PAPERS:
Technical papers, preferably accompanied by electronic and videotape software,
on completed or in-progress research, innovative applications, or experience
with multimedia systems are solicited. Where applicable, prototype
demonstrations or videotape presentations are encouraged to supplement the
talks.
Outstanding papers on different areas of multimedia will be given awards.
Selected papers will be forwarded to ACM/Springer-Verlag Multimedia Systems,
the Communications of the ACM (CACM), or the IEEE/ACM Transactions on
Networking.
Submit six copies of each paper (no more than 15 double-spaced pages including
figures, tables, and references) to:
Prof. Domenico Ferrari, Program Chair
Computer Science Division
EECS Department
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
Voice: +1 510 642 3806
Fax: +1 510 642 5775
Email: multimedia94@tenet.berkeley.edu
PANELS:
We are soliciting proposals for panels that examine an innovative,
controversial, or otherwise provocative issue of interest to the field. Panel
proposals should include the issue to be addressed, the members of the panel
with a brief statement of their positions on the issue, and a description of
the panel format. The best panels, in our experience, have been structured as
a debate with an opportunity for audience participation, but we are open to
other stimulating ideas. Panels consisting of a collection of short paper
presentations are not encouraged. The Panel chair is willing to work with
prospective session chairs in advance of submission to discuss panel concepts
or the form of a proposal. Panel proposals should be at most 3 pages, and
should include a brief description of each panelist's relevant expertise.
Submit six copies of each panel proposal to:
Allan Kuchinsky, Panels Co-Chair
Hewlett-Packard Co.
1501 Page Mill Rd. M/S 1U-17
Palo Alto, CA 94304 USA.
Voice: +1 415 857 7423
Fax: +1 415 857 8526
Email: kuchinsk@hpl.hp.com
COURSES:
Proposals (at most 5 pages, including biographical sketches of instructors)
for both 1/2- and 1-day tutorial courses are solicited. Evaluation of
proposals will be based on expertise and experience of instructors, relevance
of subject matter, and the use of multimedia technology in the presentation.
Submit six copies of each course proposal to:
Ephraim Glinert, Courses Chair
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
FR-35
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195 USA
Voice: +1 206 543 4305
Fax: +1 206 543 2969
Email: glinert@cs.washington.edu
WORKSHOPS:
During the first two days of Multimedia 94, we would like to hold workshops on
specific areas of multimedia research and technology. Evening sessions during
the main conference (last three days) will be held to report on the results of
the workshops. For more information, contact:
D. Shepherd, Workshops Chair
Computer Center
University of Lancaster
Lancaster, UK LA1 4YW
Voice: 44-52-459-3827
Fax: 44-52-484-4011
Email: doug@comp.lancs.ac.uk
EXHIBITS:
ACM Multimedia 94 offers a unique opportunity for vendors and researchers to
exhibit and demonstrate multimedia products and research prototypes. For more
information, contact:
Prof. Patrick Mantey, Exhibits Chair
Computer Engineering Department
Applied Science Building
University of California
Santa Cruz, CA 95064 USA
Voice: +1 408 459 2158
Fax: +1 408 459 4829
Email: mantey@cse.ucsc.edu
DEMONSTRATIONS:
As part of ACM Multimedia 94, we plan to hold a referreed technical and
artistic demonstration program. We solicit working systems that demonstrate
the essence of multimedia: the integration of technologies and media (e.g.,
computers, television, facsimile, communications/networking, databases, user
interfaces, hypermedia, operating systems, virtual reality, data compression,
interface hardware, publishing, etc.). Submissions (at most 4 pages) should
consist of a description of the exhibit, demo requirements, biography, and a
single VHS video. Electronic submission of the description is encouraged.
Send submissions to:
Tom Little, Demonstrations Chair
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Boston University
44 Cummington Street
Boston, MA 02215 USA
Voice: +1 617 353 9877
Fax: +1 617 353 6440
Email: tdcl@spiderman.bu.edu
VIDEO:
We are solicting videos of innovative multimedia technology. Videotape
submissions should be between 5 to 8 minutes, and should be accompanied by a 2
page overview. We expect to show the Multimedia 94 Video Program in a special
room in the Conference Center during the conference, and the videotape will be
available for purchase. For more information, contact:
Marc Brown or Dave Redell, Video Co-Chairs
DEC Systems Research Center
130 Lytton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301 USA.
Voice: +1 415 853 2152 or 2131
Fax: +1 415 853 2104
Email: {mhb,redell}@src.dec.com
ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING:
The proceedings of Multimedia 94 will be available both on CD-ROM and via
electronic network. Accepted papers will be expected to be finally provided in
several formats including postscript, and authors are strongly encouraged to
provide about 2 minutes of video and also software and other relevant
information that complements the content of the paper. For more information,
contact:
Roy Rada, Electronic Publishing Chair
Department of Computer Science
University of Liverpool
Liverpool, UK L69 3BX
Voice: 44-51-794-3669
Fax: 44-51-794-3715
Email: rada@compsci.liverpool.ac.uk
STUDENT PARTICIPATION:
Papers with a student as the primary author can enter the student paper award
competition. A cover letter must identify the paper as a candidate for the
competition.
Graduate and undergraduate students are invited to participate in Multimedia
94. Student volunteers receive complimentary registration, complimentary meals
and the opportunity to interact with conference attendees in return for
helping with day-to-day operations of the conference. Housing costs for
student volunteers may be reduced by sharing hotel rooms.
IMPORTANT DATES:
All submissions due: March 10, 1994.
Notification of acceptance: June 10, 1994.
Submissions in final form due: July 20, 1994.
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE:
Co-Chairs:
J. O. Limb, Hewlett-Packard.
M. Blattner, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
and University of California, Davis.
Steering Committee Chair:
E. Fox, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and SU.
Treasurer:
R. Allen, Bellcore.
Proceedings:
J.J. Garcia-Luna, University of California, Santa Cruz.
Workshops:
D. Shepherd, Lancaster University, UK.
Demonstrations:
T. Little, Boston University.
Video:
M. Brown, Digital Equipment Corporation.
D. Redell, Digital Equipment Corporation.
Elec. Publishing:
R. Rada, University of Liverpool, UK.
Panels:
A. Kuchinsky, Hewlett-Packard.
S. Bulick, US WEST Advanced Technologies.
Courses:
E. Glinert, Renssaeler Polytechnic Institute.
Local Arrangements:
J.D. Smith, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Publicity:
G. Parulkar, Washington University in St. Louis.
PROGRAM COMMITTEE:
Chair:
Prof. Domenico Ferrari
Computer Science Division
EECS Department
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720 USA
+1 510 642 3806
multimedia94@tenet.berkeley.edu
Co-Chairs:
S. Ahuja, AT & T Bell Laboratories.
F. Kitson, Hewlett-Packard.
T. Kunii, University of Aizu, Japan.
R. Phillips, Los Alamos National Laboratory.
R. Rada, University of Liverpool, UK.
R. Sacks-Davis, University of Melbourne, Australia.
-*-
____ Animotion Debuts MSC SoundSavers and MSC SoundRevue
/ ___) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ (_ Birmingham, AL -- February 22, 1994
/ ___)
/ (_
(____)xpanding its Multimedia Component System (MCS) line of inexpensive
software utilities for PCs running Windows, Animotion Development Corporation
today announced MCS SoundSavers (MSRP $39.95), screen savers that oscillate to
audio input; and MSC SoundRevue (MSRP $49.95), a library of 300 PC sound
effects combined with a special effects editor.
MCS SoundSavers is a collection of screen saver modules that respond visually
to audio input from multiple sources. All modules allow the user to select
from three input options: simulated audio, which does not require a sound
card; recording input, which uses input from a sound card including CD-based
audio; and WAV playback, allowing users to select audio input stored in WAV
file format on disk.
MCS SoundRevue, shipping on CD-ROM, contains a library of 300 sound effects in
all popular WAV sample rates including 11.22 and 44KHz. A special version of
Animotion's sound editor, SoundTrak SE, allows users to add special effects to
audio files including chorus, flange and echo, as well as amplify, pan and
fade.
"Animotion's comprehensive line of fine audioware titles, including these new
introductions as well as our popular best-seller MCS Stereo, MCS CD Master,
and revolutionary new MCS SoundTrak editor with QSound, provide retailers an
excellent opportunity to leverage the current market trend toward multimedia
computing and consumer software while providing a broad range of PC users with
inexpensive, easy-to-use utilities designed to work with their new CD-ROM
drives, sound cards and speakers," said Tom Baggett, Animotion's founder and
CEO.
Animotion Development Corporation is a privately held company established in
1987 to develop and publish multimedia software utilities for PCs. The
company's popular Multimedia Component System line includes software utilities
that perform the full range of functions associated with creating, managing
and playing sound resources on a multimedia PC. Animotion provides these
capabilities through on-screen graphical versions of familiar high-end audio
gear, an accepted metaphor that is easy for users to recognize and control.
Animotion markets its products through key distributors, house accounts, and
shelf space in software retail stores, mall-based chains, warehouse outlets
and mass merchandisers in the U.S. and Canada.
Animotion Development Corporation is located at 3720 Fourth Avenue South,
Suite 205, Birmingham, AL, USA 35222. The company can be reached at
800/536-4175 (voice), or 205/581-5716 (fax).
-*-
Sanctuary Woods "Sitting On The Farm" Available for both PC and Mac
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
____ Award-Winning Educational Multimedia Program
/ ___)
( (__ LAS VEGAS -- February, 1993
\__ \
___) )
(____/anctuary Woods Multimedia Inc. (NASDAQ: SWMCF; VSE: SWD.V) announced a
Windows version of its award-winning educational multimedia software program
Sitting on the Farm. Distributed on CD-ROM, the program teaches children (ages
7-10) reading, vocabulary and creative writing skills in English, French and
Spanish.
Sitting on the Farm is the first title introduced in Sanctuary Woods' new
I-learn Library of home learning products. The I-learn Library covers a wide
range of subject areas and incorporates multi-sensory features such as
animation, sound and music to provide an enlivening, integrated learning
experience for the child.
Since its introduction on the Macintosh in November, Sitting on the Farm has
won several industry awards, including a Holiday Seal of Approval from the
National Parenting Center and a gold winner award from the National
Association
of Parenting Publications, which annually recognizes the best in children's
media and toys.
"The success on the Macintosh and the greater installed base of CD-ROM users
on the PC made the conversion of Sitting on the Farm a natural choice," said
Rose Marie Shannon, M. Ed., producer and creator of the I-learn Library.
"We're excited that the launch of our I-learn Library has been well received,
and we plan to deliver four additional I-learn titles of the same caliber in
1994." Sitting on the Farm's primary objective is to teach language skills,
but it also covers additional subject areas including music appreciation,
geography and social studies. At its core, Sitting on the Farm is a story and
a song about a farm girl whose peaceful picnic is invaded by hungry animals.
The story comprises four levels, playable in English, French or Spanish,
through which children can explore and learn:
* "Listen-along" allows children to hear the story being read while the
pages automatically turn.
* "Read-along" uses fun animations and pictures to expand children's
vocabulary as they read the story alone or with a boy or girl "reading
partner." Children can click on individual words to hear them pronounced,
select a word to get a pictorial or animated definition or play one of the
27 reading comprehension activities. Using a microphone, kids can even
record themselves to hear their own voice and practice pronunciation.
* "Sing-along" leads children to explore musical concepts such as notation
and rhythm as they record themselves singing the story's song along with
accompanying music from the CD-ROM. Options for musical playback include a
child's voice, a background beat and a choice of eight instruments. The
CD-ROM contains more than 50 Redbook audio files and can even be played as
an audio-CD if the child chooses.
* "Write-along" encourages children to be creative as they compose their
own stories to go along with the original pictures from the story, or fill
in blanks to write new stories in different settings. Children learn about
six geographic regions and the animals found there. Built-in sophisticated
print capabilities allow children to print and publish their own stories
and coloring books!
Sitting on the Farm is adjustable for audiences of varied learning levels.
Teachers and parents can turn off certain features that they believe may
distract or frustrate younger children, such as recording functions,
animations and reading comprehension games.
Sitting on the Farm also includes a fun activity booklet for kids to continue
the learning experience off-computer. Crossword puzzles, recipes, stick
puppets, mazes and matching games are used to reinforce concepts covered in
the CD-ROM program, as well as link story content to activities in new subject
areas.
Configuration, Price and Availability The PC version of Sitting on the Farm
will be available in March. It requires a 386SX PC or higher with Windows 3.1,
a Super VGA monitor, 4MB of RAM, a sound card, a CD-ROM drive, speakers and a
microphone. The Macintosh version is available now and requires a Macintosh LC
or greater with a minimum of 4 MB RAM, a CD-ROM drive, speakers and a
microphone.
Both versions of Sitting on the Farm have a suggested retail price of $39.95.
Sitting on the Farm and the rest of Sanctuary Woods' products are distributed
in North America by Electronic Arts and sold through computer retail and
consumer electronics stores, including Egghead Software and CompUSA.
Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Inc., an Electronic Arts Affiliate label, is a
leading developer of family-oriented entertainment and educational multimedia
titles distributed on CD-ROM for desktop and entertainment platforms including
Windows PC, Macintosh and 3DO. Sanctuary Woods produces its titles under four
brands: I-learn(tm), I-tales(tm), I-ventures(tm) and I-laugh(tm). Current
titles include Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life, Dennis Miller That's News
to Me, The Awesome Adventures of Victor Vector & Yondo Series, The Hawaii High
Series and Sitting on the Farm.
Founded in 1988, which is headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia,
Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation is a public company currently traded on
NASDAQ (SWMCF) and the Vancouver Stock Exchange (SWD.V). Sanctuary Woods
Multimedia Inc., a subsidiary of Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corp., has sales,
marketing and operations headquarters in San Mateo, Calif.
-*-
_________________________________________________________________
/ \
| Join the Virtual Gang on Tuesday! |
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| Each Tuesday at 10PM Eastern time, members of the Multimedia, |
| DTV, VR RoundTable on GEnie meet in live Real-Time Conference. |
| |
| Sometimes we have special guest speakers but this Tuesday, |
| March 1st, we'll play rousing rounds of Trivia! Come beat the |
| experts at their own game, and see how sharp YOU are about |
| Virtual Reality, Desktop Video and Multimedia! No special |
| software needed. Just bring your communications program, modem, |
| and as many answers as you can manage! |
| |
| Type CYBERSPACE at any GEnie prompt to Join the Gang! |
\_________________________________________________________________/
NeoPaint from NeoSoft Corp.
_ _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \ / ) Bend, Oregon -- February 18, 1994
/ \/ /
/ /\ /
(_/ \_/eoPaint is a sophisticated paint program suitable for advanced image
editing. NeoPaint runs under DOS and does not require Microsoft Windows -- so
it's easy to setup, fast and simple to use. A brand new, feature laden version
(2.2a) is available for downloading from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable
Software Library.
NeoPaint Features
File Formats: PCX, GIF and TIFF
Video Modes: Hercules (720x348x2), EGA (640x350x16), VGA (640x480x2,
640x480x16), SuperVGA (640x480x256, 800x600x16, 800x600x256, and
1024x768x256).
Note: SuperVGA requires a specific type of video card. See "Supported Video
Cards" below.
Multiple Images: View and edit multiple images in adjustable on-screen
windows.
Drawing Tools: Brush, Airbrush, Eraser, Color Eraser, Flood Fill, Tile Fill,
Gradient Fill, Color Replacements, Text, Line, Bezier Curve, K-Line, Color
Sampler, Highlighting Wash, Charcoal, Crayon, Watercolor, Smudge tool,
Blender, Cloning Brush, Rectangle, Grid, Gradient Rectangle, Editable
Rectangle, Circle, Gradient Circle, Editable Irregular Ellipse, Polygons,
Editable Polygons, 3-D Cube/Pyramid, Clip Art Stamp/Brush, Pattern Editor,
Solid/Transparent Patterns, and Cutouts.
Stamp Pad: Quickly assemble pictures using the collection of clip art stamp
images. Create, edit, rename and delete stamps. Stamps may even be used as
custom and multicolor brushes.
Fonts: 12 type styles in multiple sizes. Bold, Italic, Underline, Outline, and
Shadow effects. Additional fonts available from OSCS, third party vendors, and
may be downloaded from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable Software Library.
Selection Tools: Rectangle, Polygon and Freehand Polygon (Lasso).
Effects: Invert, Flip, Rotate, Scale, Stretch, Smudge, Screen, Smear, Streak,
Pixelize, Border, Lattice, Blur, Remove Color, Darken, Lighten, Fade.
Zoom: Multilevel Zoom allows precise editing. Scrolling and most drawing tools
also work in Zoom mode.
Color Control: Works with 2, 16 and 256 color or gray scale images. Custom
palettes, color balance, color similarity, brightness and contrast controls.
Color reduction/image conversion supported.
Screen Capture: NeoPaint includes, at no additional cost, NeoGrab -- an easy
to
use screen capture utility.
Output: Supports over 300 popular printers. High quality halftone printing
supported on IIP Laserjet/Deskjet, Postscript and compatible printers.
Supports Epson/IBM/Panasonic and other graphic-capable dot matrix printers.
Memory Management: Supports Expanded (EMS), Extended (XMS), and Virtual Disk
memory for working with large image files.
System Requirements
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, 286, 386, 486, Pentium-based, or 100% compatible
computer. A 286 which runs at 12 mHz or a faster system is highly recommended.
EGA, VGA, SuperVGA, Hercules monochrome or compatible graphics card and
monitor. (See "Supported Video Cards" below.)
640K minimum RAM.
A hard disk.
PC or MS-DOS version 3.1 (or highter), or DR-DOS.
Microsoft Mouse, Logitech, or compatible mouse or pointing device.
Supported Video Cards
NeoPaint will run any computer system equipped with 100% compatible EGA, VGA,
SuperVGA, or Hercules monochrome graphics card. However, to operate NeoPaint
in 256 color, 800x600, or 1024x768 modes, you must have a SuperVGA video card
equipped with one of the following (or closely compatible) chipsets:
Tseng ET3000
Tseng ET4000
Paradise/Western Digital
Video Seven
ATI
Trident
VESA (*)
Note: Due to severe limitations inherent in their design, CGA video cards are
NOT supported. This includes many Tandy 1000 systems which are essentially
CGA.
(*) NeoShow has the ability to use VESA compatible video cards. Many video
cards on the market today which claim VESA compatibility substitute very slow
software TSR drivers (in place of internal VESA compatibility) to force the
card to mimic VESA. Since this technique may slow down system performance and
may not be fully VESA compatible, we cannot recommend such VESA-compatible
cards at this time. Although more well designed VESA cards are appearing in
stores, generally speaking, your system will operate faster if you use a card
containing one of the above chipsets rather than using a card which relies on
a software VESA driver.
Available from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable Library:
*********************************
Number: 943 Name: NEOPNT.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 672896
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
NeoPaint v2.2a is a fine DOS paint program with a great GUI interface that has
features usually found only in commercial software. Shareware but not crippled
in any way; registration removes notice at startup. Edit multiple images in
PCX, GIF or TIFF in 2, 16 or 256 colors at up to 1024x768 resolution. Supports
Hercules mono, EGA, VGA, SVGA and VESA. Scads of drawing tools, stamp pad,
fonts, effects, Zoom, 300+ printer drivers, and more! Includes NeoGrab screen
capture utility. Requires DOS 3.1+, 640K+, hard disk, mouse.
*********************************
Number: 944 Name: NPFONT1.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 135680
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
A great collection of .GFT fonts for NeoPaint. Use these in multimedia
presentations done with NeoBook/Pro linked to NeoPaint. 44 fonts in a variety
of styles and point sizes: alex19, alex38, baton22, baton25, bern16, bern33,
blimpo28, brisk26, calc30, cam14, cam22, cam28, cam42, cam50, chest22,
colby30, cough22, fade68, future14, gouda30, gouda32, hamb15, hed19, hed22,
hed38, hed44, holst15, lapine30, litcap12, merc16, neon24, octob39, pbrsh38,
pen27, pen53, pencil28, rmn12, rmn15, rmn17, rmn21, rmn22, rmn26, rmn30,
rmn40. Requires IBM-compatible and program capable of using .GFT fonts, such
as NeoPaint which is available from the Multimedia RoundTable Library.
*********************************
Number: 945 Name: NPFONT2.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON Date: 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 127360
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
Another great collection of .GFT fonts for NeoPaint. Use these in multimedia
presentations done with NeoBook/Pro linked to NeoPaint. 32 fonts in a variety
of styles and point sizes: rmnhvy10, rmnhvy15, rmnhvy20, rmnhvy25, rmnhvy30,
road28, roadw28, royalq40, rush46, rushel30, satinw36, scrpt18, silver28,
slogan28, stamp40, std12, std15, std24, std30, temp12, temp15, temp24, temp30,
temp48, textb26, textb28, thigr46, thigs46, trick28, type28, uni30, zebra28.
Requires IBM-compatible and program capable of using .GFT fonts, such as
NeoPaint which is available from the Multimedia RT Library.
For more information contacnt NeoSoft at 503/389-5489 or 800/545-1392, or by
writing NeoSoft Corp., 354 NE Greenwood, Suite 108, Bend, Oregon 97701.
-*-
NeoBook and NeoBook Professional
_ _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \ / ) Bend, Oregon -- February 18, 1994
/ \/ /
/ /\ /
(_/ \_/eoBook now brings electronic publishing authoring capabilities to the
non-specialist. NeoBook allows even novices to quickly and easily construct
interactive, multimedia publications such as newsletters, books, educational
materials, catalogs, speakers' aids, sales tracts, and more.
Publications are created by dragging frames to contain text or image files.
Users may access their favorite word processing and image editing programs
from within NeoBook to create or edit articles and illustrations. Titles,
rules, font styles, colors, and other graphical elements may also be added
using the tools from the floating menu. Interactive controls are then added by
simply dragging out a button and specifying an action. These buttons, which
may be invisible, are used by the reader to turn pages, exhibit additional
information, jump to another section of the publication, reveal cartoon-style
speech bubbles, etc. Once the elements in the publication have been arranged,
NeoBook's internal compiler may be used to produce a stand-alone EXE program
containing the publication, which may then be distributed royalty-free.
NeoBook is actually fun to use, and offers an extraordinarily stimulating
environment for creative and everyday writing projects. Being able to mix
graphics, storyline, and even sound (Professional version) is very rewarding
to the user, while setting up command buttons encourages relational abstract
problem solving.
NeoBook Professional contains additional features not found in the basic
version, including the ability to play VOC format audio files on Sound-Blaster
compatible equipment, the ability to script music for the PC's internal
speaker, and the flexibility to run DOS commands from within the compiled
publication. NeoBook is $45, while NeoBook Professional is priced at $89.95.
Both versions are available as shareware through GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable
Library and retail dealers.
NeoBookPro and sample multimedia applications are available for downloading
from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable Library:
*********************************
Number: 941 Name: NEOBOOKPRO.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON Date: 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 704384
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
NeoBook Professional v1.2 is a full-featured GUI interface authoring system
for multimedia disk-based newsletters, books, catalogs, etc. Delightfully easy
to use, it links to word processors/text editors and paint programs (NeoPaint
in this Library is a good choice) and lets you mix text and graphics. Imports
PCX/GIF images, Sound Blaster-compatible VOC or PC Speaker files (SNG format).
Shareware registration removes notice at start of presentations. Compiler and
runtime license let you create free-standing presentations for distribution in
EXE format. Requires DOS 3.1+; EGA/VGA/SVGA graphics; MS/Logitech compatible
mouse; hard disk; & 640K+ RAM.
*********************************
Number: 946 Name: NEWSPUB.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON Date: 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 138624
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
NEWSPUB is a sample multimedia publication made with NeoSoft products (such as
NeoBookPro, NeoPaint, and NeoPaint-compatible fonts available from the
Multimedia RT Library). NewsPub is a high-tech sort of "newspaper" with
colorful graphics, slider bars on articles using a variety of fonts, and
background sounds. It is NOT compiled so it requires NEOBKPRO.ZIP (File 941)
to examine -- but it's well worth it as a learning experience. Requires
IBM-compatible, DOS 3.1+, NeoBookPro, video graphics card, mouse.
*********************************
Number: 947 Name: SPACEPUB.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON Date: 940224
Approximate # of bytes: 236544
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
SPACEPUB is a sample multimedia publication made with NeoSoft products (such
as NeoBookPro, NeoPaint, and NeoPaint-compatible fonts available from the
Multimedia RT Library). NewsPub is a high-tech sort of "newspaper" with
colorful graphics, slider bars on articles using a variety of fonts, and
background sounds. It is NOT compiled so it requires NEOBKPRO.ZIP (File 941)
to examine -- but it's well worth it as a learning experience. Requires
IBM-compatible, DOS 3.1+, NeoBookPro, video graphics card, mouse.
Fact Sheet: NeoBook/NeoBook Professional
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summary
NeoBook and NeoBook Professional allow the easy creation of computer-based
publications for distribution via diskette, network and telecommunications.
Uses
* Interactive educational materials
* Newsletters
* Reports
* Sales tracts and catalogs
* Electronic Magazines
* Illustrated interactive books
* Presentations and Lecture aids
* Multimedia texts
* Interactive kiosk-type displays
Features
Memory Requirements: NeoBook requires a minimum of 640K of RAM while
operating. When shelling to DOS or using external text, graphic or audio
software, NeoBook occupies 10K of system memory. EMS, XMS, and virtual disk
memory are also supported.
Video Modes: Hercules monographics (720x348x2), EGA (640x350x2, 640x350x16),
VGA (640x480x2, 640x480x16), SuperVGA (640x480x256, 800x600x16, 800x600x256,
and 1024x768x256).
Note: SuperVGA requires a specific type of video card. See "Supported Video
Cards" below.
Supported File Types: PCX, GIF format image files (2, 16 and 256 color
resolutions), ASCII text files (supported by most word processors and text
editors), VOC format audio files (NeoBook Professional only, for Sound Blaster
or compatible cards), SNG format music files (NeoBook Professional only, may
be edited using a text editor for playback on the internal PC speaker), GFT
(GEM screen font) format fonts.
NeoBook Features
Drag and drop command and page turning buttons. Button text, color and pattern
may be defined. Buttons may be invisible.
Commands include pop-up text, jumpt to page, comic book-style speech balloons,
exit, alert/help message, pop up image, print text, return to page, and
buzzer.
Your favorite word processor and paint program may be called directly from
within NeoBook to edit text and images.
Titles, captions, rule lines, and other graphic elements may be easily placed
anywhere in the publication. Choice of style, font, color and pattern.
Drag and drop frames to contain images and text files. Option to set
horizontal/vertical scroll bars.
Master page allows setting up common commands and elements across all or
multiple pages.
Group/ungroup elements.
Compiler assembles your publication into a single executable (EXE) program,
which you may distribute to others. No runtime royalties.
NeoBook Professional Additional Features
Support for narration or music on Sound Blaster or compatibly equipped
systems.
Capability to play music/sound effects through the standard PC internal
speaker.
Launch other DOS commands from a button within the presentation.
System Requirements
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, 286, 386, 486, Pentium-based, or 100% compatible
computer.
640K minimum RAM. EMS, XMS and virtual disk memory supported.
A hard disk.
PC or MS-DOS version 3.1 (or highter), DR-DOS or Novell DOS.
Hercules monochrome, EGA, VGA, SuperVGA, or compatible graphics card and
monitor. (See "Supported Video Cards" below.)
Microsoft, Logitech, or compatible mouse -- or other pointing device which
emulates a Microsoft mouse.
Sound Blaster or compatible audio card (optional for NeoBook Professional
only).
Supported Video Cards
Tseng ET3000
Tseng ET4000
Paradise/Western Digital
Video Seven
ATI
Trident
VESA standard
For more informationcontact NeoSoft Corp. at 503/389-5489 or 800/545-1392, or
write to 354 NE Greenwood, Suite 108, Bend, Oregon 97701.
-*-
NeoShow Professional
_ _ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
/ \ / ) Bend, Oregon -- February 18, 1994
/ \/ /
/ /\ /
(_/ \_/eoShow Professional version 2.0, a DOS application which allows users
to assemble graphics images and sound files into multimedia slide show-type
presentations, is currently available from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable
Software Library.
Using NeoShow Pro, pictures and audio are arranged on a storyboard and special
effects and controls are applied to individual frames by selecting options
from menus. Once the elements of the presentation are assembled, the
presentation may be compiled and run on other computer systems. The resulting
presentations may be used for computer based sales tracts, lecture visual
aids, self-running exhibits, and many other uses. NeoShow Pro will handle 2,
16 and 256 color images in GIF and PCX file formats.
Animated effects and palette matching functions smooth transitions between
images to produce professional-looking presentations. Timing and user control
options give the show's creator flexibility in how the exhibit will be run.
Presentations may be set to await user prompts, to be self-running, to run in
a continuous loop, etc. A compiler and runtime license allow presentations to
be distributed as stand-alone EXE files via diskette, network, modem, etc. The
resulting executable presentation program may be run under DOS, even on many
older systems. Compiled presentations may be distributed royalty-free.
Registration of the shareware version includes a manual, choice of either 3.5"
or 5.25" media, etc. The program is also available through dealers worldwide.
The registration cost/suggested list price is $89.95. Site license pricing is
also available. NeoShow, which unlike NeoShow Pro does not contain sound
recording and compiler features, is also available at a suggested price of
$35.
Available for download from GEnie's Multimedia RoundTable Library:
*********************************
Number: 942 Name: NEOSHWPR.ZIP
Address: P.HERRINGTON 940224 Approximate # of bytes: 622720
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 3
Description:
NeoShow Professional v2.0a is a DOS-based application that helps you create
graphic slideshows (with VOC sound clips) using fancy transitions, screen
wipes, dissolves, fades with palette matching, animated and other special
effects. Imports drawn or scanned images in PCX or GIF in 2, 16, or 256 colors
up to 1024x768 resolution. Supports EGA, VGA, SuperVGA, VESA graphics cards
and includes compiler to create free-standing presentations that may be
distributed royalty-free. Shareware registration removes NeoShow announcement.
Requires XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, 286, 386, 486 or Pentium, 640K RAM, hard disk,
DOS 3.1+, Microsoft compatible mouse.
NeoShow and NeoShow Professional Fact Sheet
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Summary
NeoShow is a utlity which allows you to combine images from paint programs or
scanners into professional looking video presentations.
NeoShow Pro contains the same great features as NeoShow, plus a compiler that
allows your shows to be turned into executable (EXE) programs which may be run
without NeoShow. NeoShow Pro also comes with a runtime license permitting
distribution of these executable presentation programs to others, plus an
internal sound recording feature for capturing audio.
Uses
* Preparing video tracts for presentation by sales people
* Self-running trade show exhibits
* Displaying scanned photographs
* Combining photos and text to produce a video catalog of products
* Presenting graphics to illustrate points during lectures
* Point of sale showroom exhibits
* Classroom projects, storyboards for plays, etc.
* Product demonstrations
Features
Video Modes: EGA (640x350x16), VGA (320x200x256, 640x480x2, 640x480x16),
SuperVGA (640x480x256, 800x600x16, 800x600x256, and 1024x768x256).
Note: SuperVGA requires a specific type of video card. See "Supported Video
Cards" below.
Image Import: NeoShow imports images in PCX and GIF image file formats. Images
may contain 2, 16 or 256 colors, grey scales or combinations of these
resolutions.
Control Features: Presentations may be set up to scroll through the images
manually, display automatically -- pausing at points to await prompts by the
user -- or to run in a continuous loop.
Video Special Effects: A variety of effects are included for making
transitions between images smooth and visually interesting. Transition effects
include diagonal, horizontal and vertical wipes; image slides; blinds;
explodes; dissolve and fade; crush; splits; spiral; and weave.
Picture Sources: Images may be created in paint or image editing programs
(such as NeoPaint by OCSC), or scanned to PCX or GIF format files using your
scanner's software. PCX and GIF images are also widely obtainable from many
sources, such as print service bureaus, commercial and shareware image
libraries.
Target Devices: Presentations can be set up on one machine for use on a second
machine which operates at a different video resolution. The storyboard's slide
frames will be sized to reflect the resolution of the target machine's
display.
Sound: NeoShow supports SoundBlaster compatible audio cards. Audio clips may
be attached to individual images or played across several images. Options
allowing sound effects to be repeated may be used to save disk space. Files
must be in the VOC file format. NeoShow Pro contains an internal audio capture
feature, which also previews and displays information for existing sound
files.
System Requirements
IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/1, PS/2, 286, 386, 486, Pentium-based, or 100% compatible
computer.
640K minimum RAM.
A hard disk.
PC or MS-DOS version 3.1 (or highter), DR-DOS.
EGA, VGA, SuperVGA or compatible graphics card and monitor. (See "Supported
Video Cards" below.)
Microsoft, Logitech, or compatible mouse.
Supported Video Cards
NeoShow will run on computers equipped with 100% compatible EGA, VGA, or
SuperVGA graphics cards. Except for 320x200x256 VGA mode, you must have a
SuperVGA video card equipped with one of the following (or closely compatible)
chipsets to operate in 256 color, 800x600, or 1024x768 modes:
Tseng ET3000
Tseng ET4000
Paradise/Western Digital
Video Seven
ATI
Trident
VESA (*)
(*) NeoShow has the ability to use VESA compatible video cards. Many video
cards on the market today which claim VESA compatibility substitute very slow
software TSR drivers (in place of internal VESA compatibility) to force the
card to mimic VESA. Since this technique may slow down system performance and
may not be fully VESA compatible, we cannot recommend such VESA-compatible
cards at this time. Although more well designed VESA cards are appearing in
stores, generally speaking, your system will operate faster if you use a card
containing one of the above chipsets rather than using a card which relies on
a software VESA driver.
For more information contact NeoSoft at 503/389-5489 or 800/545-1392, or by
writing to NeoSoft Corp., 354 NE Greenwood, Suite 108, Bend, Oregon 97701.
-*-
_ _ Runtime License for INOVAtronics' Amiga CanDo
( \ /\ / ) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
\ \/ \/ / Dallas, TX -- February 1994
\ /
\_/\_/ith respect to changes in Commodore's marketing and repositioning of
the Amiga computer, INOVAtronics, producers of CanDo, the interactive
audiovisual authoring and development environment for the Amiga, has modified
our policy regarding the distribution of software created using CanDo. With
the marketplace becoming more vertically positioned with specialized needs and
less high volume, mainstream oriented INOVAtronics is adjusting to compensate.
This alteration will particularly affect developers that market and sell their
software commercially.
Specifically, there are three types of software license arrangements that are
available to developers.
1. Shareware and Freely distributable software
Authors of non-commercial applications that are to be distributed freely among
other enthusiasts and hobbyists may acquire a special version of CanDo
Deckbrowser and DeckBinder. Deckbrowser can then be included with the author's
application and enable any Amiga user to run the CanDo application. Authors
may distribute Deckbrowser by simply providing a copy of their finished CanDo
application to INOVAtronics, Inc. When launched, the new Deckbrowser now
contains a small notice stating that it is explicitly for non-commercial use
only.
2. Commerically marketed, sold and distributed software packages
Developers of commercial software packages that are authored partially or
entirely with CanDo must obtain a software license agreement from
INOVAtronics, Inc. A custom CanDo runtime system will be provided to the
developer that may be distributed with the application. The developer will be
charged a yearly license fee for the runtime system that will be determined by
INOVAtronics, Inc. Typical fees range between $50 to $200 and are based upon
the actual application. This license will cover single or multiple software
titles and apply toward all units sold.
3. Business, Institutional, and Value Added software used by or sold with
vertically oriented hardware systems
Business, Institutions and Value Added Resellers that customize systems with
CanDo applications and then disseminate or resell the software/hardware
solutions are required to either include a CanDo retail unit or license a
CanDo runtime system from INOVAtronics for each hardware delivery system. Fees
will be based on specific applications and will be designed to be very cost
effective for the user.
Given these new policies, and with accurate information concerning our users,
INOVAtronics can offer better support and more powerful and flexible products
in the future.
_______________________________________________________________
/ \
| Cyberspace Report Note |
| ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ |
| The Amiga Multimedia version of GEnie's member magazine, |
| LiveWire, is created using INOVAtronics CanDo. GEnie members |
| may download LiveWire FREE of standard connect charges during |
| non-prime time at up to 2400 baud. Type LIVEWIRE at any GEnie |
| page prompt for details. |
| |
| Free Multimedia versions are ALSO available for IBM-compatible |
| and color Macintosh owners! Graphics, Animations, Sound! |
| |
\_______________________________________________________________/
CanDo v2.51 Fact Sheet
CanDo is an interactive audiovisual authoring and development environment for
the Amiga. It is widely used for constructing custom applications which can
make use of any or all of the Amiga's computing and multimedia capabilities.
Even non-programmers can use CanDo to create interactive multimedia
presentations, public information kiosks, integrated vertical market
applications, desktop video productions, software utilities, games, computer
aided tutorials, and much more.
CanDo's large feature set includes hypercard-style decks, a scripting language
with over 350 commands, object-oriented graphics constructs for launching
scripts and events, ARexx support, sound and animation control, a screen
painter, a runtime generator, a script debugger, and many other developer
aids. Version 2.0, announced in September 1992, (up from version 1.6) added
many developer tools, plus a new user manual designed to simplify
understanding and improve access to CanDo's extensive feature set.
CanDo v2.51 includes these important enhancements:
* A streamlined, re-organized main interface panel
* AGA Graphics suport (for use with the A1200 and A4000)
* Stereo music file support with full control over tempo and volume
* Suport for StarTracker, SoundTracker, NoiseTracker, ProTracker, MED,
OCTAmed, Oktalyzer and 15 instrument Soundtracker music files.
* New Window Editor
* Now uses Commodore's full feature ASL File Requester standard
* Also offers Commodore's "Easy Requesters"
* SuperMover XtraTool for moving groups of objects in one easy step
* User-definable script editor shortcuts
* Layout Editor Tool for controlling the flow of text around complicated
shapes
* AmigaGuide help system -- in CanDo, and available for use in your own
applications
Features
Manual: CanDo 2.0 introduced completely new, developer-oriented documentation
with a set of new introductory tutorials and a 400-page, fully indexed manual,
with more and better explanations about authoring, scripting, and database
design.
Script Bookmarking: Speeds development by providing a convenient way to return
to certain scripts in just one or two keystrokes -- an extremely useful tool
when developing large scale applications.
SuperDuper: This time saving utility lets you automatically insert complete
spreadsheet-style columns and rows of objects (buttons, fields, or sliders)
into your applications.
Supports DOS Notify: The DOS Notify function under Kickstart 2.0 is a more
efficient way to tell the operating system to watch for specific file system
changes.
Object Layer Tool: This tool lets you change the heirarchy of objects.
Bug Basher: An extensive script test and verification suite which
significantly improves error checking on scripts.
Configuration Utility: So that developers don't have to waste time manually
defining and editing the location of documents or tool types, CanDo comes with
a Configuration Utility for consolidating these tasks into one simple
interface.
Brush Control: CanDo now provides better control over brushes and brush anims
-- including a single-step control.
Audio Control: Stop and start any one of the Amiga's four sound channels
separately, without affecting the other three.
68040 Support: For developers working with 68040-based sytems like the Amiga
4000, CanDo 2.0 now fully supports the 68040 Copy Back Mode. This allows the
68040 to fully use its own cache memory for a 20% speed increase over normal
040 operations (depending on your application), already three times faster
than 68030-based Amigas.
Other Features
* User definable grids (with a snap-to-grid option)
* Full support for international characters (Spanish, French, German, and
Italian)
* Support for images up to 1700 x 2200 resolution (RAM permitting) such as
200 dpi faxes
* More efficient memory usage
* Supports scripts in excess of 1000 lines (limited only by memory)
Hardware: CanDo works with any Amiga 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 or 4000 with
at least 2 Megabytes of RAM. A hard disk drive is required.
Warranty/Support: Warranty is a standard 90 days. Technical support hours are
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM Central Time at 214/340-4992.
Suggested Retail Price: $199.95
For more information contact your local Amiga dealer or INOVAtronics at 8499
Greenville Avenue, Suite 209B, Dallas TX 75231 USA, telephone 214/340-4991 or
fax 214/340-8514.
-*-
All Trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
_____________________________ ATTENTION ____________________________
/ \
| As long as individual stories are kept intact and the following |
| credit is included, permission is granted to reprint Cyberspace |
| Report Weekly in ALL or PART on privately held electronic bulletin |
| boards, user group newsletters, and even in magazines! Simply |
| include the following credit line: |
| |
| From Cyberspace Report Weekly by the Multimedia |
| RoundTable on GEnie. Reprinted by permission. |
| |
| If you have space to include the following, we'd appreciate it! |
| |
| Joining GEnie is Easy! |
| |
| 1. Set your system to half duplex at 300/1200/2400 baud. |
| 2. Dial toll-free 1-800-638-8369 (in Canada dial 1-800-387-8330). |
| Upon CONNECTion, enter HHH |
| 3. At the U#= prompt type MMEDIA and press RETURN. |
| 4. Have a major credit card account number ready. In the U.S. |
| you may also use your checking account. |
| |
\____________________________________________________________________/
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